Honest God Truth

 “They shall be servants to him, that they may know my service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.”  2 Chronicles 12:8 Who you serve makes all the difference.  If you serve yourself or mankind you are always giving away your resources.  Your strength, money, energy is limited and can never satisfy the numerous needs. While if you serve God your resources come from him.  You receive the power, energy, and resources you need from the Lord to serve him.  When serving God you receive him.  This truth is throughout scripture that if you humbly submit to being a servant to the Lord he will lift you up.  Oh the joy of serving God and not yourself.  Jesus help us to gladly serve you today. Amen

  “Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?” Job 21:7 ESV This question Satan uses often with discouraged believers.  When the evil prosper before their eyes they often say “not fare”.  God does bless those who trust in him.  But trusting is not always knowing what will happen.  We say that sin caused this bad thing.  It did cause death but it also played a role in God’s salvation.  We must trust that God loves us and will finish all his purposes and part of them is our joy in Jesus forever.  Amen 

 “And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Ultimately the power of God is what saves us.  Fear is a wonderful thing when it knows who has complete authority.  Jesus offers us a way out of fear by believing in his salvation.  We know we believe if we trust and obey him.  God calls us to praise him for he is the victor and will reign forever.  Lord Jesus I believe help my unbelief.  Amen 

  “Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:11 ESV The Lord’s commandments are the food we need to soar like an eagle.  They keep us in the air away from all obstacles that would cause us to lose altitude.  We must be aware of the dangers so they don’t surprise us when our view is elsewhere.  When we meditate on God’s word the joy we receive is better than a soaring eagle for the Lord promises to be with us keeping us safe forever.  Lord Jesus help me soar with you today.  Amen 

  Philippians 2:25-27 (ESV) “I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Family members are alike in many ways. They often look alike, think alike, talk alike, like similar foods and have common faith.  This is usually true but not always for God makes us all unique but similar.  It is even more like that for believers in Jesus because they have the same Holy Spirit in them.  They love Jesus and that love makes them very similar in their thinking, talking and behavior. God made families to show the world that to be in his family is the greatest gift!  Jesus thank you for families, even the ones that need help, for when you return...

  Philippians 2:19-24 (ESV) “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.” God uses other believers to strengthen and encourage us if we are willing to humble ourselves before God and others.  Maybe the greatest characteristic we all need, both as teacher and student is learning humility.  It allows us to grow and depend more and more on Jesus everyday.  Lord help us to humble ourselves like you did so we can glorify you by teaching others and learning from others how to love.  Amen 

  Philippians 2:16-18 (ESV) ...”holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” The hardest thing to do is to trust in the Lord will all your heart.  The heart wants its desires and if not flooded with the word of God and filled with the Spirit of God it turns to the love of self and the treasures of the world. It is a daily battle to die to self and be filled with God’s love and willful obey his commandments.  There is great joy in giving up your rights and becoming a slave to Jesus.  But it only happens when you  determine each day to love and obey him for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.  Lord help me today and evermore to die to my selfishness and drink from living water of your joy...

 “My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭7:10-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God is a righteous judge who feels indignation everyday.  Oh how we need the love of Jesus forgiveness so we can stand before God our righteous judge.  Jesus paid for all our sins to give us hope of eternal life.  He does this by dying for us because the penalty of sin is death.  And in some supernatural way he fills every wrong we did.  God cares for us and loves us and it cost him greatly to forgive us and still be righteous. Oh let us realize how terrible sin is and flee from it with all our hearts.  Amen 

  Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV) “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” When our eyes are open to Jesus love we receive the gift of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.  How do we know our faith is real?  God gives us the desire to obey, work out that which was put in us, his commandments.  We have confidence in our salvation when we see evidence in our thoughts and actions that we want to love and obey Jesus.  Therefore we are working out what God put in us.  The amazing truth is that God is also working in us to help us work out our salvation. All our efforts and our desires are gifts from Jesus our Lord.  If they are gift we don’t take them for granted but in fear of God’s awesome power we humble thank him for loving us.  God gets al...

 ““As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause,” ‭‭Job‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Knowledge of truth is a great thing but it often brings forth pride.  Job’s friend gave good advice for sin is always within us and it’s consequences often negative.  Understanding the will of God is impossible if God doesn’t reveal to us.  But that should not be our goal.  Our goal must be to trust Jesus not try to figure him out.  Being faithful is better than being wise for faith is a gift and wisdom often is looked at as being achieved.  All we have is a gift from Jesus.  Amen 

  Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV) “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Lord Jesus please continue to keep my eyes and ears open to your love for me.  Please keep my heart soft and not be stone.  Jesus I pray that I am a vessel of your mercy and saved by grace from the wrath of your righteousness against sin.  Help me share your good news to those who need their eyes, ears, and hearts open to your saving love so they will not be vessels of your wrath.  Lord Jesus help me glorify your name today and forever.  Amen 

 “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:26-27‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We can have confidence and a fountain of life if we fear the Lord.  How can fear be so comforting when it so often is a cause of great anxiety?  God made fear to protect us from harm.  It motives us to flee danger and keeps us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.  The problem we have with fear is we fear wrong things.  Jesus said don’t fear those who can only kill the body but fear him to can send you to hell!   Fearing the Lord is the correct fear.  If you know what God hates and what pleases him then we should fear when we disobey him.  Jesus forgives us if we repent but, Oh how must better to trust and obey him!  Jesus help us to fear you and live you today.  Amen 

  Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus is Lord, God and King of the universe.  His character is to be a servant and not a master.  When we want to be like our Savior we become his slave.  There is no greater goal than to live your life serving Jesus by serving others.  Jesus said if you want to be great be servant of all.  When serving gets difficult it means we have bought the lie of the world and want to be served.  Lord Jesus keep our heart on you so we may glorify you by serving others.  Amen 

  Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” God is gracious to us so we can show grace to others.  The more our eyes and hearts are open to the truth about Jesus love for us the greater our love for others. We love because God loves us. Lord Jesus show your love to me today so I may humbly love others and give you the glory.  Amen 

 Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV) “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” The world will know we are Christians by our love, by our love was the theme of a song sang in the 80’s.  Love brings harmony because it seeks others needs and ideas more than our own.  When we know that Jesus loves us than we know that he meets our needs. That frees us up to meet others needs which is love working in us and in the church. Therefore love God and others for it is the Lord Jesus who loves you and died for you to experience and share his love.  Amen 

  Philippians 1:29-30 (ESV) “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Every athlete suffers pain if he wants to win the prize or even finish the race.  The pain is real and he expects it to happen. But he that wins the race rejoices in the pain because he knows his is working hard for the reward. How much more the the gift of eternal life that Jesus promised us if we are willing and able to see the great reward.  Count it all joy when you go through trials of many kinds (suffering).  Make a choice today to let the light of love Jesus has given you to shine in this dark world. And know if you suffer for righteousness you are blessed because you know Jesus loves you.  Amen 

 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Fear and knowledge are what is needed to obtain wisdom and insight.  That is if you fear and learn about God.  We know that God loves us through Jesus Christ but fearing God is extremely important.  Fear draws your attention and peeks your interest.  What makes God angry and causes his wrath?  Often what we fear we obsess over and try to overcome.  So fearing the Lord is a good beginning to knowing Jesus.  When you see his power and righteousness your love for his forgiveness and grace become much greater.  Lord help me to know you more so my fear and love are balanced correctly, so I may glorify.  In Jesus name, Amen 

  Philippians 1:27 (ESV) “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Jesus said “when you see me you see the Father.” He said that to Thomas and the other apostles.  Jesus and the Father are one and they with the Holy Spirit are God. No one has seen the Father but Jesus came as an ambassador for God.  Everything Jesus saw the Father doing he did.  He was the perfect image bearer of God. When we come to faith in Jesus life,death and resurrection Jesus and the Father send us the Holy Spirit to live in us.  We now represent Jesus to the world. Lord Jesus help us to glorify your name by loving you and obeying your commandments.  Holy Spirit guide and direct us into loving others for the glory of Jesus our Lord and Savior.  Amen 

  “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11 ESV Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Jesus said that to his disciples because if our primary desire is to live than we really don’t love Jesus.  When our eyes are open to who Jesus truly is, life itself, then if we trust him enough to go wherever he chooses for us to go, we will follow.  Our goal is to glorify Jesus (make him look great) and Satan hates that and will attack.  But the more he attacks the better Jesus will look for in our weakness He is made strong and He looks really good.  Therefore Lord help us to be willing to deny ourselves and take up the cross daily.  Amen 

 “keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭7:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God’s commandments are for our good and when we obey them we are truly living.  Jesus summarized them to love God and love others.  It sounds so easy but love means more than kindness, it means desire to do right.  Learning to submit to the Holy Spirit is a life long journey but it can only occur if you make those efforts the apple of your eye.  Living the way Jesus wants you is more precious than gold.  Once you tasted the tremendous joy of obeying Jesus you desire it more everyday.  Please Lord give me more of you.  Amen 

  “And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Revelation 12:1 ESV What a wonderful sign to see a women clothed with the sun.  She was bright, dazzling with light and full of power where her presence was blinding, yet John could see her.  We will definitely need new bodies to be able to see all the wonders of heaven.  Everything in heaven is more real than what we see now. Paul said we see dimly now but then face to face in all of heavens glory! If you like sunrises now just wait!Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

  Philippians 1:25-26 (ESV) “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” Oh Lord use me today to help others trust in you and show them that you are faithful and we can follow your word even when we don’t understand.  Help me to grow in your love today so I can show others your love.  For your glory Jesus.  Amen

  Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? If God is for us who can be against us?” That means in life and death. Death has lost its sting because Jesus will never leave us. He is with us now and will be with us forever.  Therefore let us live in his love now and share his love and forgiveness to all we met that Jesus will be glorified and we will receive his joy.  Amen

  Philippians 1:21-22 (ESV) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.”   Dying is gain if living is Christ. That is a great and truthful statement.  If our heart’s desire is to love Jesus and glorify his name then dying and seeing him face to face is gain.  The Holy Spirit through scripture gives us a glimpse of Jesus beauty but when we die we will see him clearly.  To see the face of the one you love is most satisfying and we are promised it will occur. Absent from the body is present with the Lord. Jesus help us to love you and see you more today.  Amen 

  Philippians 1:20 (ESV) “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” Boldly go where no one else has gone is what star treck opened with all those years ago.  Paul wanted to do the same thing. When you believe in your mission you want to proclaim your message of love and freedom.  Jesus is the answer to everyone’s questions. He is what we all need. Let us receive his grace today and boldly go where he leads us with confidence that Jesus will satisfy all our needs by his riches he freely gives to all who believe.  Jesus use me today to boldly glorify your name. Amen 

  Philippians 1:18b-19 (ESV) “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” Lord forgive me of all my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  I am so glad that Jesus is faithful when I am not. When I am the wayward lamb he goes and finds me and carries me back on his shoulders.  Yes he may break my leg so I learn his voice but that is what I really needed.  Turn to me all you who are heavy in heart and I will give you rest. All we ever need is Jesus and his Spirit is calling us to come to him and drink living water that will satisfy your soul.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

  Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV) “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”  In all things may your name be glorified Lord Jesus. If you choose to use me to share your good news, how joyful it will be to be used by the Lord and Savior of the world.  I pray Jesus that you create in me a pure heart that I may see you more clearly and love you more dearly.  I am the clay and you are the potter please make me today to be a vessel of your mercy. All praise and glory you Lord God. In Jesus name.  Amen 

 “They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭9:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God has a perfect plan that is completely righteous and full of mercy.  Jesus knows the heart of all people because he created all things.  In his wisdom he chooses what he wants. Yes God has made us to choose him or not but his plans includes our choices and our choices never surprises him for he controls all things.  Let us trust him and love his actions for he has put his love in us.  Amen 

 “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This does not say that the Lord is ignorant of the ways of the wicked.  But he knows the way of the righteous and they will be with him.  He intimately knows the righteous and has a close, loving relationship with the God of the universe.  Whereas the wicked will perish because the Lord will cast them away from his love. Jesus thank you for dying for our sins and giving us your righteousness.  Help us to glorify you by trusting in your love and not acting wicked.  In you is eternal life.  Amen 

 Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV) “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Count it all joy when you fall into trials of many kind!  James must have known that evil never has the final victory.  As children of God through; faith in Jesus life of righteousness, his death for justification of my sin, and his resurrection for our glorification in him forever, evil has no sting. Satan and evil men thought they got rid of Jesus on the cross but instead the greatest event in all the universe occurred, to bring salvation to all who would believe. God thank you for not letting evil have the final victory, and we can claim with great hope that “all things work together for good f...

 Thought of the day Philippians 1:10-11 (ESV) “So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” You are the vine Jesus and we are the branches.  For us to produce righteous fruit we must stay connected to you. That means be aware of you working in our lives and in the people that surround us. If we pray and read scripture we will have our eyes open to your involvement with us. Our confidence will be in your love, peace and appreciation in knowing that we are connected to you and you are God and our Lord and savior. We stand on your words that you will never leave us or forsake us. Let us glorify you today Jesus. Amen

  Philippians 1:9 (ESV) “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment.” You shall know the truth and that truth will set you free, to love.  Loving is thinking and cherishing others more than ourselves.  Love finds its joy in what it treasures. When you treasure perfection the more you know about it the more you love it.  When you know Jesus more you love him more and love what he wants you to do.  He wants your to love others and that glorifies him. Lord help us to love you more by knowing you more so we may glorify you more throughout the world.  Amen 

 “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When we seek God’s face, his presence, his purpose and his love we must do what Paul and the Lord tells us to do, “stand firm” and watch the Lord work on your behave for you seek him first.  We must turn and trust in God’s salvation, for the battle is the Lords.  Jesus help us to trust in you each day and not on our own understanding.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen 

  Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. The race we run is giving up our own sinful desires and putting our faith and trust in Jesus.  The closer we get to perfection the more we say your will Lord be done not my will.  Jesus open my eyes and heart to trust you more each day.  For your glory Jesus. Amen

  Philippians 1:1 (ESV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:  We are slaves and saints in Jesus.  The paradox is amazing true. To live most joyfully we have to die daily take up our cross and follow Jesus. Jesus came as a servant and yet he is God. If we want to be great we must be servant to all.  Jesus help us to be like you and be who you want us to be.  Amen 

  “Because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5) The joy of being a believer in Jesus is that Jesus loved us so much that he died for us over 2000 years ago.  That wonderful truth is the rock we stand on.  But God’s love is so real that he pours out that love by giving us the Holy Spirit to live in us daily.  I pray we all experience God’s love of joy today and know that he will never leave us until we see him face to face.  Thank you Jesus, Amen

  Matthew 24:36, 44 (ESV) “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only...Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”  Waiting and abiding in seem like opposite actions. But it is like having part of something but not the finished product.  Like when a person is building a special car. They spend much of their time working on it and getting it ready to work the way it was planed to perform. They anticipate it’s day of completion.  Jesus said he would send his Spirit to us as we prepare, work on his bride, the church.  He is working on us and we our working on others for the wonderful day when Jesus returns. Let us abide in Jesus’ work and person, the Holy Spirit, as we wait for his coming.  What exciting work Jesus has given us!  Amen