November 7 I’m not ready!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Exodus 4:10-16 Selected (NIV)

10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?…. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.”

How many of us think we are not ready to do things. God promised to never leave nor forsake you. If He called you to something for which He had not prepared you, it would be leaving you alone. Since we know His word is true, that cannot happen so He has already prepared you whether you know it or not.

Moses spoke with God directly. God told him to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelite people. Moses decided to offer excuses instead. He told God he was not prepared to speak on God’s behalf and asked God to send someone else. But God doesn’t take no for an answer. God said He would help Moses speak and teach him what to say. God always prepares you!

Years ago, I asked my men’s group one time “What would you do if someone was asking questions about Christ and it seemed they wanted to establish a relationship with Him?” One of the guys said “I would go get the Pastor.” The great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. It does not say go get the Pastor. Shouldn’t you be prepared to answer the questions and lead them to Christ?

You are probably thinking you are not prepared. Your story is the most powerful testimony anyone could have. You don’t need to practice some fancy dialog about how people can learn about and accept Jesus. Just tell about how He has made a difference in your life. What is new? What is different? How does this relationship make your life better? Are you more calm and peaceful? What was your life like before Jesus came into your heart? What difference did He make? That is all anyone needs to know.

My short story is simple. I was riding along in my car thinking about a situation at work that I felt I could not do and trying to figure out a way to tell my boss why not. All of a sudden, I heard myself say it is not the Christian thing to do. At the time, I was not a Christian. So why was this reason revealed to me? Because God had a plan. Right then I knew that Jesus was knocking at the door to my heart asking to be let in and I had to decide. I opened the door but not without apprehension. What would this mean in my life? What would change? How would I tell my Jewish family? That was seventeen years ago and it has been a fantastic ride ever since. That’s my story and I am sticking to it!

Jesus is mine and I am His. That wasn’t so hard! I am a new creation in Him. Most notably, I am losing the need to argue. I am learning to live for God and those God loves. Isn’t that reason enough to allow Him in to your heart? Jesus is knocking. Go ahead, open the door! And when others ask about your peace and joy, tell them your story.

Lord, thank You for knocking at the door of our hearts. Give us the courage to open the door. Let Your Spirit remind us that You never leave nor forsake us. Knowing that, reassure us that You have already given us everything we need to accomplish whatever You ask of us. No more excuses! Lead us to the people to whom You wish to speak today and give us the words they need to hear. Help us to draw people to You! In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

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November 6 Always Look Forward!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Philippians 3:12-13 (NKJV) Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

There are many people in life who are always looking back. If only I had…. I could have…. I should have…. Zig Ziglar said that you can say “I wish I had or I’m glad I did!” Which one of those do you want to be? When you get to the end of your earthly life, do you want to be full of regret? I don’t! I want to have said what I really wanted to say and have done what God calls me to do. I tell people I love them. Nursing homes are filled with people who live in regret and bitterness. I don’t want to be one of them. How about you?

The Apostle Paul knows he is not perfect. In fact, he realizes how flawed he is but thanks God for His grace. In his past, he persecuted God’s people and rejected Christ. That could have been his definition; a man against God. But Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus and his life was changed forever. Not only that, your life and my life are changed. Paul teaches us to let go of the past and press on toward the goal. Christ is that prize. He waits for you. Reach forward for the prize!

You cannot change the past. We have all made mistakes. The secret is to use the mistakes to learn for the next opportunity. Why not think about how Jesus would want you to handle something and strive to do it His way in the future. You are a Child of the King. Why not live in a way to bring Him glory. I know, you have this worthiness thing going on! That comes from the evil one. Drop that at the foot of the Cross and live as God intended. You are anointed, empowered, holy, righteous, redeemed, triumphant and victorious! Why not live that way. You say I don’t feel victorious. Are you living by your feelings and what people say about you? Why not take a look in His best-selling book and see what He says about you? It is all in there. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! God says so. You are an heir to the throne. Reach up and adjust your crown.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Stop living in the past. What does God call you to do today? How can you encourage others and bring glory to God? You cannot encourage another without some of that spilling over onto you. You will be blessed by being a blessing! Today is a new day. Be so positive and encouraging that it will make people wonder what you are up to! Keep them guessing as to your motive. God, you and I know it is to bring glory to Him and Him to them! The future awaits! Press on!

Father, we thank You that You give us grace to let go of the past and reach toward the future. Forgive our past mistakes and guide us in the way You would have us go. Help us to lay down the burdens that keep us from doing Your will. Empower us to build others up. Show us the blessing that comes with doing Your will. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

Matthew West “I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind.” https://youtu.be/xctUxzZhNRs

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November 5 Who is this guy?

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Luke 24:32 ESV

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

Sometimes, we meet people and there is something special about them. We can’t explain it but they have a quality that is different. There is a glow about them. It is like they have a power within that is finding its way out. What do you think is the source of their power? Is it their own or does it come from beyond them. Usually, people who have a glow have Christ inside and He is radiating out.

In Luke 24, two of the disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus when they encountered Jesus. They did not recognize Him but they sensed something special. Their “hearts burned within them.” What can make your heart burn within you? Only the power of Christ!

As I walk the Spiritual Journey with my Lord, I have become more passionate about Him. When I think about all He has done for me, my heart burns within me. Any time I get to talk about Him, something wells up inside me. Words come to me that inspire me and others. These words are not my own. I don’t always recognize them. They are inspired and are given to me. When I get to pray publically, words are given me that I might fearlessly proclaim the Gospel! Power comes into and through me. His power.

As you walk on the road, are you meeting people who inspire you? Do you recognize a certain glow that comes from them? Are you the one who inspires others? You have seeds of greatness within you! I believe both things should occur. Iron sharpens iron. We were not meant to live and work alone. We were designed to live in community because we can encourage each other. The disciples only recognized Jesus and His inspiration after He broke the bread when He left them. I am asking you to be more aware of His presence in your life. He promised He would never leave nor forsake you. He is fully present in your life. Our chief purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. You must recognize that He is there in order to enjoy Him. He is with you in all that you do; good and bad. When the Lord walks with you on the road, you will have a true companion and your heart will burn within you!

Lord, help us to fan the flames that burn within us for You! You inspire passion, love, kindness, justice and mercy. By Your grace, let us live lives that glorify you. Let us come into and remain in Your presence that we may enjoy You each day. Inspire us through Your Word. Remain close to us so we can feel and enjoy Your presence. In Jesus name we pray!

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November 4 Business is Personal!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Leviticus 19:13 (NKJV)

13 ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.

Some people say Business is Business. Is that their way of saying the can set their values aside in order to complete a transaction at any cost. People use the excuse that business is business to justify actions they take which they know are not the best.

In the book of Leviticus, God tells us not to cheat our neighbor. Also, we are to pay wages promptly. The Lord wants us to do justly. Getting ahead at someone else’s expense violates God’s will.

Can you separate your personal values from your business values? Is it OK to do whatever it takes to make a buck? Would you want someone to lose their ethics when they are waiting on you? As a follower of Jesus, I try to live by His Word and treat others like I want to be treated. Years ago, I decided I wanted to take my beliefs and values into the business world with me and live like Jesus taught me to live. Many in the world do not want to hear the truth even if it is spoken in love.

My friend Jon teaches a seminar called Business is Personal. He, like me, figured out that we cannot be one kind of person and a different kind of business person. When you stick by your values, given you by God, you act in a truthful and consistent manner. It takes time but people learn they can trust you. Will you be perfect? Absolutely not! But you can accept responsibility and make good on your shortcomings. The other day, I worked on a network wiring project. I goofed and drilled a hole through the neighbor’s wall. They were gone for the day so I could not tell them but I was returning the next day and would let them know then. When I came in, they had discovered the hole. I told them it was my fault and I would take care of it. I think they were shocked that I took responsibility. Tomorrow, I will be patching their wall. I will make things right. That is what the Lord asks of us. He asks us to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. The neighbor is entitled to be made whole by my repair of their wall. My values demand it. Now, I will do it! It’s my reputation on the line. You see, business is personal. Oh yeah, you can be sure they will brag to their friends about this crazy guy who drilled a hole in their wall but then came back to make things right. I might even get a referral out of it. Do not cheat your neighbor and take care of things promptly. It will give you peace and a good reputation. Proverbs 22:1 (CEV) says “A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.” It tells people who you are and whose you are. You gain that reputation by following God’s word which will never lead you astray.

Lord, thank You that You lead us in Your ways and help us live honorable lives. Help us to bring the values You taught us into our everyday business and all of life. Teach us how to love our neighbors and respect everyone. In Your name we pray! Amen!

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November 3 Attitude is Everything!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Ephesians 4:2-5 ESV

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

I have a hat that says “Attitude is Everything!” I believe that to be the case. I would rather hire a waiter or waitress with a good attitude and teach them the skills they would need than hire someone for their skills whose attitude sucks. It is said that everyone brightens a room: some by entering and some by leaving. Which are you?

Paul tells us we should live with humility and gentleness. He adds patience and love to the mix. With those four characteristics at the forefront of our demeanor, it should be a great day. Unity seems to be a recurring theme in God’s desire for us. Our attitude toward one another will either create unity or discord. Which would be a better way to live?

Are you eager to maintain unity of the Spirit? Do you consider the needs of others above your own? Are you patient and kind? Do you look out for yourself first at the expense of others? Since most of us need to work to maintain our lives, would a good atmosphere at work benefit all concerned? Ephesians 6:7 (NIV) says “7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,…” An attitude of service will create a positive atmosphere. You can make a difference.

A friend helped me the other day because he wanted to help. I had a job to do which required two people. I did not have to constantly tell him what needed to be done. He went looking for a way to make a difference. His attitude was to help Bob. And help he did. The day went quickly. The job got done and we had fun. It could not have been better. Skills can be taught. Attitude is part of our character. How you approach a task makes all the difference in the world. Do you have to do it or do you get to do it? Be thankful that you have the ability. Many do not! God has blessed you with the chance to enjoy a sense of accomplishment. Let an attitude of gratitude flavor everything you do!

A willing Spirit changes the drudgery of duty into a labor of love. David Roper

Father thank You that You give us the chance to glorify You through the work of our hands. Help us see joy in every opportunity. Open our hearts and minds to Your will for our lives so we see each task as a way to glorify Your holy name. Grant us humility and the gift of service to others. In Your name we pray! Amen!

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November 2 Mercy doesn’t make sense!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV)

51 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

Why should God have mercy on any of us? All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He has absolutely no reason to grant us grace. There is nothing we can do to earn it or deserve it yet He gives us grace and mercy daily.

David asked God for mercy according to God’s goodness and not on his own merit. David knew he did not deserve mercy but he still asked. David knew the goodness of the Lord. The Lord is willing to accept our confession and restore us. It is not dependent on our merit but upon His grace.

Grace and mercy do not make sense. We will just fail again. Why bother forgiving and restoring us? He does it because He came to seek and save the lost. We are lost. The human heart is deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9 says 9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”. But God knows it. Yet He still sees the good He planted in each of us and works daily to grow those seeds. Your Creator put seeds of greatness in you and wants them to blossom. Therefore, He makes you over through His grace. When you fall short of the mark, He picks you up and dusts you off and helps you to try again. My Dad used to say “you’ll do better next time!” That is just like our Heavenly Father. He knows you will do better next time. That is why He restores you. He wants you to succeed. He knew from the beginning that we would need work. He was prepared!

So why does He give us so many chances? Because He loves us! We are His handiwork made in His image and likeness. His mercy and loving kindness surround us. His grace is sufficient for His power is made perfect in our weakness. He overlooks our imperfections and leads us in His ways. And each time we try, we get a little better. He wants you to do justice and love mercy and walk humbly with Him. Will you try again to walk in His ways?

Mercy doesn’t make sense. We do not get what we deserve. We deserve punishment but He gives grace. All our righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) in light of God’s perfection. Yet He still cares for us. There are some mysteries we cannot understand. Love and mercy are among those. They are God’s free gift. Will you accept the gift? Will you extend to others what has been given to you? In Jesus name I pray for and with you! Amen!

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November 1 God is in the Restoration Business!

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Robert Springer

Luke 8:43-44 (NKJV)

43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

This woman had been to every doctor and place trying to find a cure for her bleeding. So far, nothing had worked. Was Jesus her last resort? What did she think He could do for her? Had she heard of others being healed? I don’t know what she was thinking other than getting to Jesus. She was focused! And touch Him she did.

Luke tells us that this woman had the issue for twelve years and no one was able to heal her. She did not even speak with Him. All she did was touch His garment and she was healed. The chapter goes on to say 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”……. 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” She was healed!

You see, God is in the Restoration Business. They did not have a conversation. There was no discussion of her needs. In fact, all she did was believe Jesus would heal her and touch His garment. All it took was a touch. And Jesus knew power had gone out from Him through that touch. Do you think He felt her touch His cloak? Probably not. But He knew. The Creator of the universe knew in advance she would try to touch Him. If healing can come from just touching Him, what would happen if you got to know Him and he touched you? What would a full relationship with Jesus yield? Would it bring peace? Would it bring courage? Would it bring strength? All that and more! Why try to do this all on your own when Living Water and all the benefits of Christ are yours for the asking? Jesus is willing.

What is going on in your life? Are you in need of some kind of healing? God is willing and able to heal you no matter what the affliction. He is waiting to hear from you. Or, all you need do is draw close and reach out and touch Him. He is still there within reach. Put out your hand and see if He will not still heal you today.

Lord, thank You that You are still in the Restoration business. We come to you in our brokenness and You calm and heal us. You said You would always be with us. Help us to know You are there and feel Your Presence. Walk with us as we struggle and show us Your ways. Remind us that You still offer us Your awesome power. You offer restoration. Give us the courage to reach out our hands to You!

Be of good cheer and go in peace. You God loves you! Amen!

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October 23 Just Do It!

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Robert Springer

James 2:17 (NKJV)
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Do we pray too long and not act? When is the best time to take action? Do we already know what we should do from Scripture but keep praying because we want a different answer? In many cases, we know what we should do.

James called us out two thousand years ago. He said that our faith would be demonstrated by the works we undertake. If you are truly a person of faith, God has already taught you what steps to take. If not, now is the time to learn. You might say you are new in your faith. Perhaps someone will buy that story. In John 13:34-35 Jesus said (NKJV) “34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” How are you showing that love? I hope it is more than just prayer. I have said prayer is very powerful which is true. But sometimes, God wants you to do more than just pray. Sometimes, he wants you to feed them. Sometimes, you may have to shovel the snow or rake the leaves. The Lord has given you gifts and talents that He wants you to use for your benefit and the benefit of others. Will you use them?

It has been said that your life may be the only Bible some people ever get to read. When they are reading your life, what are they receiving? Are the things you are doing comforting others? Do you shine your light into the dark places? Is the world better for you having walked through it? I know that, at times, I wonder if I can make a difference. I think about a situation where I could offer a kind word but it may be awkward. Sometimes, I let the opportunity go by. Usually, right after missing a chance, I regret not taking the opportunity. Zig Ziglar said you can say I wish I had or I’m glad I did. I want to be the one who said I’m glad I did! How about you? Will you go through life wishing you had? Sometimes, you can recover the opportunity. If it is not complimenting someone you know, you can call them or take some other action. I urge you to go ahead and take the shot. Let people know they matter. Let them know you are the kind of person who cares. Show them the love God has placed within you. You are magnificent. Share those gifts with those around you. Shine your light! Take action, for faith without works is dead.

Lord God, you said we should love one another as You have loved us. We are not capable of such a selfless love. But help us to love the best we can. You have shown us what real love looks like. Help us to live like that. Change our hearts by Your grace! And let evidence of that grace flow to those we meet by and for You. In Your name we pray!

Live Like That: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwZsywhXDg8

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September 14 It’s all about me, isn’t it?

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Robert Springer

Romans 12:3 (NKJV)

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

You mean it’s not all about me? I am not the most important person in the world? Our society teaches us to look out for ourselves and to take what we want before someone else does. We are to look out for number one. How well is that working for us as a society? How is it working for us as a world? If your favorite radio station is WIIFM (What’s in it for me), you are a taker and the world owes you something in your opinion. Takers look out for their own interests at the expense of others. They want to get their fair share and, sometimes, their unfair share.

In the Book of Romans, Paul is trying to teach us to have a servant’s heart. Jesus speaks many times and sets the example of loving and caring for others. A world of takers is a mean place. For people to prosper on the whole, we need to care for each other. If we think too highly of ourselves, we will not care about the needs and feelings of others. C.S. Lewis said, in Mere Christianity, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

When we think of others and their needs, we step outside ourselves to where God wants us to be. We were not designed to be alone. With that in mind, caring for each other should be an integral part of our lives. I have always said I would want my child to be a waiter or waitress so they could gain an understanding of what it means to be a servant. It is a special thing to have a servant’s heart. With it, you learn to recognize the needs of others and learn to meet those needs.

The other day, as I walked through the hallway at Church, I heard a woman working in the childcare area talk about the great smell of the coffee coming from Fellowship Hall. A man asked her if she would like him to get her some since she could not leave her post. That is what we are called to do. We are called to care for one another. When you focus on meeting the needs of others, God will meet your needs. This is also a business principle. Sales are based on finding a need and filling that need. It is all about meeting the needs of others. So maybe, your favorite radio station should be WIIFT (What’s in it for them)? Maybe that is God’s solution to our selfish world? Why not try it and see how that works for you? Some will take advantage. Some will be skeptical. But many will respond with kindness and appreciation and that is what our Creator desires.

Lord, thank You for the gifts of Your Bounty. Help us to be good stewards of what You have given. There is more than enough to go around if people will think of others and share. Lead us to those whom we can serve. Teach us Your ways that we might know you better. Your ways are to care for those who cannot care for themselves and to share with others as they have need. You have told us that in Your Word and set that example in Your life. We are supposed to follow you “with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Help us to follow Your teachings in the way we live our lives. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

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September 8 No Need to go Through It Alone!

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Robert Springer

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)
8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Many times, we go through challenges thinking there is no one to help and that we are completely on our own. When things get tough, others seem to disappear leaving us to fend for ourselves. But is that really the case? Are you really alone? Have you asked for help? I am weak in asking for help. Many times, I decide to do something without considering the schedules of those who could help. I don’t like working alone yet I set things up so that is how it turns out. And then, I complain! But am I really alone? There is One who walks with me who is closer than a brother who will never leave nor forsake me.

God tells us in Deuteronomy that He goes before us. That means He paves the way for our journey. He will be with us. That means that He is inside us through His Holy Spirit. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. That means we can count on Him to give us what we need when we need it. It also means His hedge of protection surrounds us. God’s promises are sure and He can be trusted. Therefore, we should not worry or fear because He will be our strength and shield! We can stand on His promises.

How are you doing at standing on His promises? Are you fearless? Do you walk as if you know God goes before you paving the way? Or are you like me, worrying all the time about how you will accomplish all that is on your plate? We tend to forget the Lord in our day to day activities. He can make things smooth for us in some cases and give us what strength we need in tougher situations. Yet we do not ask Him for either. What would life look like if we asked the Lord for guidance on which way we should go and what we should do? I am trying to pray about more things. Rather than going on my own instinct, I am asking Him if I should undertake a new challenge. When people ask me to participate in some ministry, I defer to prayer about what the Lord wants me to do. I think about the possibilities and then leave the decision for later after I have had a chance to give it to the Lord. He will let me know. If I have a sense of peace and excitement, He is telling me to go ahead. If I have doubts and questions, He is saying either wait or no. How do you handle the day to day things you face? Do you make decisions on your own or do you ask the Lord? Do you have discussions with your spouse asking for input? Do you have a Spiritual Accountability Partner? If you are alone, why are you alone? God said in Genesis 2:18 “It is not good for the man to be alone.” If the Creator of the universe says it is not good for us to be alone, shouldn’t we try to avoid it?

So why are you alone? Is it just your feeling or have you isolated yourself? Have you accepted the offers of others to help you? I have a friend whose husband, my best friend, we to be with the Lord in February. She reminds me that she appreciates all the help I give her but wants the opportunity to repay me by helping me. This is a foreign concept to me at this point but I am learning. I cannot do it alone. I need the Lord and I need those He has put in my life! What about you? Are you still trying to make it on your own? How is that working for you? Ecclesiastes 4:9 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:…..” I have a saying which is “Two people working together can accomplish as much as five people working alone!” There is synergy which makes it all go better and smoother. Do you think that is what God meant when He said it is not good for the man to be alone? Why not do it God’s way?

Thank You Father that You walk before us, beside us and with us through all the twists and turns of life. Help us to feel Your Presence at all times. Remind us of Your concern for us and that You will be our Helper even when it seems no one is around. Teach us to count on You and ask You for direction. Most importantly, give us the patience we need to wait for Your answer to our questions. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

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September 7 Under New Management!

Posted on September 7, 2015 by encourager

Ephesians 4:20-32

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Are you happy with the way your life is going? Is everything perfect in your relationships? Is there tranquility in your home? Most would say no! Who is leading in your life? Are you the one making all the decisions? If so, are you making the right ones? Many times, things go on in all aspects of our lives that are not what we desire for ourselves or our loved ones. Do you wonder why? Who is in charge in your life? How is that working out for you?

Paul is writing to the Church at Ephesus about how they are conducting their lives. It seems they are lying, stealing and doing all sorts of bad things. But there is a key phrase. Paul says “nor give place to the devil….” Who is in charge in your place? Have you made Jesus the Lord in every area of your life? If not, why not? Don’t you think He can do a better job with your life than you are doing?

John 10:10-29 (NKJV) says 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Do you want to live an abundant life? Sure you do! Why not live a life of blessing? To do that, you are going to have to make some changes. You need a new management team. It is time to elect a new leader. It is time to turn the reins over to the Lord. Put up that famous sign that others display when someone new is in charge indicating that things are going to get better. Under New Management! The old has gone; the new has come! I am a new person and will live a new life in Christ.

So Satan, pack your bags and get out! You are no longer welcome here! We don’t’ want any more of your lies and deceit. It is time for depression, anxiety, doubt and despair to hit the road with you. You have done enough damage to our lives and families. It is time for new management. It is time for us to follow the Son of God most High and to live according to his ways. It is time for the Holy Spirit to guide us in which way to go. Since Jesus already won the ultimate victory and offers that to us, today is the day we can change our focus and leadership to Him. Make that move! Put up the sign! Under New Management! Start living the abundant life today. In Jesus name! Amen!

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September 6 Prayer Matters!

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Robert Springer

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

When was the last time you called on the name of the Lord? Do you call Him when good things happen? Do you seek His face? Are you walking in His ways?

Ezra is the traditional author and it dates back to 430 BC. Ezra was a Priest of God Most High and is writing to Israel and Judah about unity of the nation. They have gone astray as a people and as a nation. When you stray from Truth, you lose your way and bad things happen. Sounds like our world of today. We have lost our way because we have wandered from God’s truth.

One thing I have heard is that, if you don’t know history, you will most likely repeat the same errors. The Bible is full of stories about people who have made bad choices and suffered the consequences. When they returned to God’s ways, He forgave them and returned to blessing them. When will we ever learn?

Yesterday, we saw a movie called War Room in which an older lady befriends a younger woman and shares her faith with this wife and mother. The focus of the story is how prayer can restore things that you thought were lost. It is hard to pray for someone and stay angry with them. If you pour out your heart to God on behalf of a person, your feelings for them begin to improve. The older lady begins to mentor the young wife in the art of Spiritual Warfare and how prayer changes things. It does! It removes anger and bitterness. Your heart goes out to the object of your prayer. Try it and see for yourself. You cannot stay angry with someone for whom your earnestly pray.

What would it look like if God were to heal your land? Is the inside of your house a war zone? Are you at odds with neighbors or friends or family or spouse? Have you tried Prayer? It works! Ezra tells us that God will hear our prayers from Heaven and He will forgive our sin and heal our land. Does your land need healing? Would you like peace in your home? What things about your spouse upset you the most? What if you were to pray for peace and blessing to cover them daily? Would your attitude toward them improve? If your attitude was that of peace, love and blessing, would they notice a change? So maybe, you could start by praying for yourself and your attitude. Ask God to change you. Ask Him to give you more patience and compassion. Whatever the need, just talk to Him. Prayer is not some special art you learn in Seminary. It is simply a conversation with God. He knows your thoughts. He just wants to hear your requests. So speak to the Lord. Ask Him to help you pray. Ask Him to change you and remove the things that displease Him and you. He is listening and will heal your land, your home, your family and you! Just ask Him!

Father, thank You that You are always listening for our prayers. Help us to come to you with our requests. Sometimes, we don’t even know for what we should pray but Your Spirit will intercede for us and give us what we need. Remind us that You are willing to forgive our sins and heal us from the consequences. You are our perfect Heavenly Father who dearly loves His children and wants what is best for us. Teach us Your ways that we might walk in them and know You better. Heal our land! In Your name we pray! Amen!

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September 5 I’m always on time!

Posted on September 5, 2015 by Robert Springer

Habakkuk 2:3 (NKJV)

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

God’s timing is perfect! It probably doesn’t seem that way to most of us because it is not when we want things to happen. We cannot see the whole plan nor how things are shaping up. But God knows where all the pieces fit and in what order they need to be assembled. Therefore, we need to be patient and let things go according to God’s plan and timing.

Habakkuk tells us of a vision of things to come. Its time has not as of yet arrived. All things work according to God’s plan. God has everything arranged in the whole universe so that all the pieces will fit at the appointed time. Don’t try to run ahead of Him because it will not work out right.

One of my faults is being a control freak. I want to work out all the details according to my plan. I used to think I was in charge. Now, that seems humorous. I have a friend named Ed who has learned earlier than me that God is the One with the plan. Ed and I planned to go to a Promise Keepers conference in Baltimore some years back. Ed has challenges walking and we needed to get handicapped seating. Because he has learned to go with God’s plan, he does not concern himself with timing. I went to pick Ed up but he wasn’t ready so we were late getting on the road. I was already beside myself because we would be late! It went from bad to worse. Our hotel room was no longer available when we arrived. I thought we would end up sleeping in the car. We did find a flea bag motel but the room was awful. Sleeping in the car would have been better. We got a late start in the morning too so we were late to the conference. The handicapped parking spaces were already taken. I dropped Ed off at the door and parked the car. When we got inside, we were told the handicapped seating was on the arena floor. By now, I am a wild man because my plan has not been followed. I am keenly aware that if we head down to the floor and the seats are all taken, there is no way Ed will be able to make it back up. My worst nightmares are staring me in the face. Meanwhile, Ed is saying things will all work out. I am ready to murder him.

So we go down to the arena floor and there are no seats left! Now I am panicked. Ed is leaning against the railing at the edge of the floor to rest so he will be able to move somewhere else where we might find a seat. But God had another plan. Actually, God had His plan all along. As were are leaning against the rail trying to figure out what we can do, a man in the front row overhears our conversation. He probably also observed my agitation. He leans forward and asks us if we need seats. He saved a few too many because some of his friends are sitting somewhere else and he has two seats available on the front row. All that worry on my part and we just step into front row seats. Not only did we get great seats but the guy and his friends were wonderful to us. They welcomed us, included us in their group and made our day terrific. They were real Brothers in Christ to us.

All that worrying wasted! Worry is a waste of the imagination. It also showed a lack of faith on my part. Instead of trusting God, I wanted to manage things in my own power. God’s plan is always better. I have learned to go with God. While I try to be on time if I have made an appointment, I now know that God may change my plans to fit to His. It always works for my good. I have found myself in the right place at the right time when I relax and let Him lead. How about you? Are you trying to control things? I can tell you, it doesn’t work. Relax, breathe deeply and go with God’s timing and plan. It will be better than you can ask or imagine. It will be divine. I am now always on time. Maybe not my time; but on His time.

Father, thank You that You give me patience to wait on You. Thank You that You have taught me how to go with Your plan for my life. Teach us all to trust in You and follow Your lead. Help us to see that following You is always our best option. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!

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