Our bible boost for today comes from a special story in the Old Testament that provides direction and purpose for our lives today. The man is simply known as the “Chief Servant”. Do you remember the story of Abraham wanting to find a bride for his son Isaac. Well, in Genesis 24 Abraham instructs the chief servant to embark on a journey back to Abraham’s homeland to find a wife for his master’s son, Isaac. The trusted chief servant returns to Mesopotamia looking for a wife for Isaac. After making his way to the town of Nahor (which by the way is named for Abraham’s brother) the chief servant settles down at the well of the city. You remember, that drawing water was the job of the women, so the chief servant knew he would be able to scout out any potential brides from the well’s vantage point.
However, there is one important thing the chief servant does before engaging his search. You know what it is? He PRAYED! Yep. Right there at Water Well Central, he prays. The chief servant invokes God’s intervention in the selection process. Hear what he prays in Genesis 24:42, “ oh Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, grant me success for my journey.” The chief servant as the chief servant is praying God is moving to answer. The writer of Genesis records, “before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar…” Genesis 24:45.
Asking and then receiving. Seeking and then finding. God’s direction sought and God’s direction found. Hey, I can learn something from this Chief Servant. We don’t know his name but we do know his attitude. His attitude speaks to me. I can think back to numerous times when I failed to seek “divine direction”. Maybe you have done the same thing. We have major decisions but we go everywhere else but to God in prayer. We will consult books, philosophies, traditions, even other people. So many times in my life my decisions were made without the slightest request unto the Lord God for His will and divine direction. And, you what…I blundered into mistakes with tragic results.
I can learn from this no named “chief servant”. When he consulted with the Lord God…great and marvelous results occurred. As a Christian I’m to be the Lord God’s servant. He’s the Lord. He’s the master. I am the servant. The slave. Before ANY decision in my life it would behoove me to talk it over with the Lord rather than books, magazines, newspapers or even my friends. God is the ONE who knows all things and holds within His great providence, the very best for me.
As I bend my will and decisions to His divine direction, maybe, just maybe I can feel what Abraham’s chief servant felt when he said in Genesis 24:27, “as for me, the Lord has led me on the journey…”
Or as the old hymn says, “Lead on O King Eternal…your cross is lifted over us, we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest. Lead on, O God of might.”
So, my friends may we be a people of pray. A people who are seeking God’s will and direction for our lives. If you are searching, looking, longing for a solid answers to a world filled confusion…may I suggest find a Bible teaching church where follow the King eternal.
I am praying for you and your family.
Leonard
www.yourbibleboost.com Now under development but coming soon.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
All Glory, praise and honor to God our Father.
Thoughts on the Defeat of SB 12
Domestic Partnership Bill
First and foremost we must give praise, honor and glory to our heavenly Father who heard our prayers and answered them according to our pleas and supplications, but as always, according to His will. It is not always so, as God moves according to His great providence and according to His will. But, today we give Him all praise and glory for the defeat of this bill and hearing our pleas.
Secondly, we thank God for all those listeners of KKIM who rallied to pray, phone, and email their Senators. Also, a special thanks to those who personally visited their Senators to express their concerns and beliefs and to those who were present in the Senate gallery, Thursday, with their white shirts to show their solidarity to encourage the defeat of this bill.
Thirdly, a special thanks to the 9 Democrats who braved the tumultuous waters of party allegiance to vote “no” on SB 12.
Fourthly, we love all people no matter what their preference or identification. Christ Jesus showed His love to all of us by dying on the cross to take away our sins. However, God has given us His Word and His will. Jesus said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments”. God instituted marriage from the beginning to be between one man and one woman. Marriage predates Christianity. So, to that end, to “honor marriage”, we will continue to fight to protect our marriages, our families and God’s Word.
Lastly, it was a tremendous blessing and encouragement to have opponents of this bill rally in a united front. The unity of prayer warriors crossed denominational, cultural, ethic, genetic and continental lines. Prayers were offer by Messianic Jews, denominational groups, non-denominational groups, para-church groups and missionaries from around the world. I personally know of prayers offered from the countries of India, Russia, China and Nigeria. I am sure there were many others.
As we heard on KKIM Thursday on New Mexico News and Views hosted by Dewey Moede, Mark Tross and Richard Spray, the song by Rich Mullins, OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. He always has been AWESOME and He ALWAYS will be AWESOME.
However, don’t forget that the work is not done. There is an exact bill in the New Mexico House of Representatives that is in committee at this time. There is much work yet to be done.
I close with this scripture from Paul’s writing to the Ephesians ringing in my ears. It is from chapter 3 and verses 20 and 21: “Now all glory to God who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever. Amen!” (NIV)
I am praying for you.
Leonard
Domestic Partnership Bill
First and foremost we must give praise, honor and glory to our heavenly Father who heard our prayers and answered them according to our pleas and supplications, but as always, according to His will. It is not always so, as God moves according to His great providence and according to His will. But, today we give Him all praise and glory for the defeat of this bill and hearing our pleas.
Secondly, we thank God for all those listeners of KKIM who rallied to pray, phone, and email their Senators. Also, a special thanks to those who personally visited their Senators to express their concerns and beliefs and to those who were present in the Senate gallery, Thursday, with their white shirts to show their solidarity to encourage the defeat of this bill.
Thirdly, a special thanks to the 9 Democrats who braved the tumultuous waters of party allegiance to vote “no” on SB 12.
Fourthly, we love all people no matter what their preference or identification. Christ Jesus showed His love to all of us by dying on the cross to take away our sins. However, God has given us His Word and His will. Jesus said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments”. God instituted marriage from the beginning to be between one man and one woman. Marriage predates Christianity. So, to that end, to “honor marriage”, we will continue to fight to protect our marriages, our families and God’s Word.
Lastly, it was a tremendous blessing and encouragement to have opponents of this bill rally in a united front. The unity of prayer warriors crossed denominational, cultural, ethic, genetic and continental lines. Prayers were offer by Messianic Jews, denominational groups, non-denominational groups, para-church groups and missionaries from around the world. I personally know of prayers offered from the countries of India, Russia, China and Nigeria. I am sure there were many others.
As we heard on KKIM Thursday on New Mexico News and Views hosted by Dewey Moede, Mark Tross and Richard Spray, the song by Rich Mullins, OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD. He always has been AWESOME and He ALWAYS will be AWESOME.
However, don’t forget that the work is not done. There is an exact bill in the New Mexico House of Representatives that is in committee at this time. There is much work yet to be done.
I close with this scripture from Paul’s writing to the Ephesians ringing in my ears. It is from chapter 3 and verses 20 and 21: “Now all glory to God who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever. Amen!” (NIV)
I am praying for you.
Leonard
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Do it NOW!
JUST THINKING!
Adapted from a Devotional from "The Word for You"
"Be sure to do what you should" Galatians 6:4 NLT
"You can only pray, plan and prepare so long. Sooner or later you MUST step out in faith and act. In the Old Testament the children of Israel came to the Red Sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit. The Israelites began calling out to the Lord in prayer. However, the Lord God instructed them, "Go, forward". There is a time to pray, a time to plan and a time to prepare. BUT, then it comes time we must ACT.
The chinese have a saying, "He who deliberates too long before taking a step, will spend his whole life on one leg".
The reason many do not get started is that they focus on tomorrow rather than today. The Bible says, "today is the day of salvation". In James 4:13, 14 (NLT) it says, "look here, you people say 'tomorrow we going to a certain town...we will do business there and make a profit.' How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog-it's here for a little while, then it's gone."
The idea of tomorrow can be very seductive, but the promise it holds is often false. It's starting that stops us. Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators observed, "The greatest time wasted, is the time thinking about getting started." The hardest part of writing a letter is penning the first line. I can say the same. The hardest part of writing "Yourbibleboost" is just STARTING. The hardest part of making a tough phone call is picking up the phone and punching in the first number. The hardest part of writing an email is pulling up the email address and writing the first words.
So how do we overcome and "do what we should" as Galatians suggest...
DO IT! TODAY! Today...NOW is the time, this is the place and we are the people.
START!
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
Adapted from a Devotional from "The Word for You"
"Be sure to do what you should" Galatians 6:4 NLT
"You can only pray, plan and prepare so long. Sooner or later you MUST step out in faith and act. In the Old Testament the children of Israel came to the Red Sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit. The Israelites began calling out to the Lord in prayer. However, the Lord God instructed them, "Go, forward". There is a time to pray, a time to plan and a time to prepare. BUT, then it comes time we must ACT.
The chinese have a saying, "He who deliberates too long before taking a step, will spend his whole life on one leg".
The reason many do not get started is that they focus on tomorrow rather than today. The Bible says, "today is the day of salvation". In James 4:13, 14 (NLT) it says, "look here, you people say 'tomorrow we going to a certain town...we will do business there and make a profit.' How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog-it's here for a little while, then it's gone."
The idea of tomorrow can be very seductive, but the promise it holds is often false. It's starting that stops us. Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators observed, "The greatest time wasted, is the time thinking about getting started." The hardest part of writing a letter is penning the first line. I can say the same. The hardest part of writing "Yourbibleboost" is just STARTING. The hardest part of making a tough phone call is picking up the phone and punching in the first number. The hardest part of writing an email is pulling up the email address and writing the first words.
So how do we overcome and "do what we should" as Galatians suggest...
DO IT! TODAY! Today...NOW is the time, this is the place and we are the people.
START!
I am praying for you and your family,
Leonard
Monday, February 23, 2009
Pray, pray, pray!
Have you heard of a dude named Manny? Well, the one I’m talking about is found in the Old Testament, in Second Chronicles 33 to be specific. He was one bad dude. He wasn’t a believer in God, but he was a believer in gods. Small g. He worshiped everything you can think of. Sun, moon, stars, storms, land, mountains, you name it, he worshipped it. He was even so bad he practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft. Whenever he wanted to know what was going on he consulted in evil spirits, contacted the psychics and mediums. He even set up vulgar altars in the temple of Jehovah God. There they performed vulgar acts. He was one bad dude.
In one religious ceremony he even sacrificed (aborted) his own sons to these false gods. In Second Chronicles 33:9, God’s word lays out this commentary on Manny, he was “more pagan than the nations God destroyed when the children of Israel entered the land.” This Manny is none other than King Manasseh. II Chronicles 33: 6 says, “he did much evil in the sight of the Lord.”
Well, what do you think God should do about King Manasseh? Remember, in 2 Chronicles 7:14 God said “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land.”
So, what does God do? I told you about all the terrible things King Manasseh did. But, does God keep His promises?
When we look in II Chronicles 33:12, we find that King Manasseh, “entreats the Lord his God, humbles himself greatly before God of his fathers.”
Hey if it was me (and it isn’t) but I would say, punish the guy, severely. Look he was disloyal, irreverent, and did many wicked things. But not Jehovah God. Look what God did, “and when Manasseh prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom”. II Chronicles 33:13. God restored King Manasseh.
Did Manasseh deserve it? NO WAY! But that’s just the way God is. God keeps His promises. The promise is still there for us.
Know any Manny’s. Oh yes, you and me. The promise is still there for you and me. For our country, for our state. Here it is again. “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and SEEK MY FACE and TURN from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land”. II Chronicles 7:14
You’ll notice God says, “IF MY PEOPLE”. He’s talking to believers. He’s not talking to the pagan, unbelievers or those of other religions. He’s talking to Christians, believers. “IF MY PEOPLE” God says.
So, hear Psalm 107 verse 2 where it says “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”.
Now’s the time to PRAY, SEEK GOD’S FACE and TURN from our evil ways. Then God will hear heal and restore.
In one religious ceremony he even sacrificed (aborted) his own sons to these false gods. In Second Chronicles 33:9, God’s word lays out this commentary on Manny, he was “more pagan than the nations God destroyed when the children of Israel entered the land.” This Manny is none other than King Manasseh. II Chronicles 33: 6 says, “he did much evil in the sight of the Lord.”
Well, what do you think God should do about King Manasseh? Remember, in 2 Chronicles 7:14 God said “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land.”
So, what does God do? I told you about all the terrible things King Manasseh did. But, does God keep His promises?
When we look in II Chronicles 33:12, we find that King Manasseh, “entreats the Lord his God, humbles himself greatly before God of his fathers.”
Hey if it was me (and it isn’t) but I would say, punish the guy, severely. Look he was disloyal, irreverent, and did many wicked things. But not Jehovah God. Look what God did, “and when Manasseh prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom”. II Chronicles 33:13. God restored King Manasseh.
Did Manasseh deserve it? NO WAY! But that’s just the way God is. God keeps His promises. The promise is still there for us.
Know any Manny’s. Oh yes, you and me. The promise is still there for you and me. For our country, for our state. Here it is again. “If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and SEEK MY FACE and TURN from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land”. II Chronicles 7:14
You’ll notice God says, “IF MY PEOPLE”. He’s talking to believers. He’s not talking to the pagan, unbelievers or those of other religions. He’s talking to Christians, believers. “IF MY PEOPLE” God says.
So, hear Psalm 107 verse 2 where it says “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”.
Now’s the time to PRAY, SEEK GOD’S FACE and TURN from our evil ways. Then God will hear heal and restore.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
HOPE!
Your Bible Boost for today comes from Isaiah 50 verse 10, “Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust the name of the Lord and rely on His God.”
Have you ever had a dream where it seemed there was “NO WAY OUT?” I have. Boy was it sure vivid and striking in every detail. I’m driving along when I come upon a narrow two land bridge. Approaching from the other direction in a very high rate of speed is an 18 wheeler. My thought is, “if he stays on his side of the road, I’m o.k.” But even as that thought is birthed, the 18 wheeler begins to drift over into my lane. As I look to my right, the bridge guard rails prevent me from escaping to the right. The 18 wheeler is crossing over the center lane towards me. To stay the course means an “unavoidable”, “no way out” collision. As we approach each other I hear brakes squealing, people screaming, and just before impact…I wake up. My heart is racing, I’m panting, I am bathed in sweat and I’m all out of breath. It was just a dream.
Maybe each of us has been in such a circumstance and it wasn’t just an unavoidable car wreck in a dream. Maybe it was an unavoidable wreck in the journey of life. Maybe an unavoidable divorce. Death of a loved one. Teen on drugs where it seemed there was no way out. Unavoidable Depression. Or a myriad of other “unavoidable” situations. Where do you go? Maybe you feel like I did in that dream of mine where I was boxed in on all sides. No place to turn. No way out. All of the choices were either tried or rejected. If you have not faced such situations in your life, trust me, you will. Life is just like that. There are, OR there will be circumstances, in life, that appear to offer “NO HOPE” and NO WAY OUT!.
Well, my friends, Isaiah offers us HOPE. HOPE when everything seems out of control. Hope when it seems all is lost, unavoidable. Hope in the darkness. LISTEN CLOSELY to Isaiah; “LET HIM WHO WALKS IN THE DARK, WHO HAS NO LIGHT, TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD AND RELY OF GOD”.
There you have it. When times of “no hope”, or “unavoidable situations” appear, there is HOPE in GOD. When it seems there is NO WAY OUT. Trust in the name of the Lord. When we trust in GOD He provides the strength for those “NO WAY OUT” situations. When we rely on HIM, He guides, guards and supports us through those tough unavoidable situations of life.
SO, YOUR BIBLE BOOST FOR TODAY IS FROM ISAIAH 50:10, TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, RELY ON GOD.
Have you ever had a dream where it seemed there was “NO WAY OUT?” I have. Boy was it sure vivid and striking in every detail. I’m driving along when I come upon a narrow two land bridge. Approaching from the other direction in a very high rate of speed is an 18 wheeler. My thought is, “if he stays on his side of the road, I’m o.k.” But even as that thought is birthed, the 18 wheeler begins to drift over into my lane. As I look to my right, the bridge guard rails prevent me from escaping to the right. The 18 wheeler is crossing over the center lane towards me. To stay the course means an “unavoidable”, “no way out” collision. As we approach each other I hear brakes squealing, people screaming, and just before impact…I wake up. My heart is racing, I’m panting, I am bathed in sweat and I’m all out of breath. It was just a dream.
Maybe each of us has been in such a circumstance and it wasn’t just an unavoidable car wreck in a dream. Maybe it was an unavoidable wreck in the journey of life. Maybe an unavoidable divorce. Death of a loved one. Teen on drugs where it seemed there was no way out. Unavoidable Depression. Or a myriad of other “unavoidable” situations. Where do you go? Maybe you feel like I did in that dream of mine where I was boxed in on all sides. No place to turn. No way out. All of the choices were either tried or rejected. If you have not faced such situations in your life, trust me, you will. Life is just like that. There are, OR there will be circumstances, in life, that appear to offer “NO HOPE” and NO WAY OUT!.
Well, my friends, Isaiah offers us HOPE. HOPE when everything seems out of control. Hope when it seems all is lost, unavoidable. Hope in the darkness. LISTEN CLOSELY to Isaiah; “LET HIM WHO WALKS IN THE DARK, WHO HAS NO LIGHT, TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD AND RELY OF GOD”.
There you have it. When times of “no hope”, or “unavoidable situations” appear, there is HOPE in GOD. When it seems there is NO WAY OUT. Trust in the name of the Lord. When we trust in GOD He provides the strength for those “NO WAY OUT” situations. When we rely on HIM, He guides, guards and supports us through those tough unavoidable situations of life.
SO, YOUR BIBLE BOOST FOR TODAY IS FROM ISAIAH 50:10, TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, RELY ON GOD.
Friday, February 13, 2009
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