Honest God Truth

 July 31, 2024 “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.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Believing in Jesus gives us so many wonderful gifts like encouragement, comfort, love, companionship, and sympathy.   These gifts are meant to work in community where true fellowship and humility is demonstrated.  The joy of living with other believers is a little slice of heaven on earth when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to honor and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Lord help us to humble ourselves so you can pick us up in your arms.  Amen

 July 30, 2024 “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We have value because we were made in the image of God.   And we know that God loves us and sent Jesus to forgive us of our sin.  Yet if we put ourselves above God or others our value is nothing.  We were created like everyone else and what we are is a gift from God.  Therefore we are nothing compared to God.  And since we are a gift like everyone else we are no better than any other person, gifts  from God.  So we are who we are and we must not make ourselves more than we are causing us to lose what we do have from God.  Jesus must increase and we decrease.  For your glory Lord and our joy.  Amen

 July 29, 2024 “So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Is this verse telling us not to care about how we look or is it asking us, does our outside appearance reflect our heart, and if it does what is the state of our heart?  Hypocrisy is not living out your faith.  You either love Jesus and show it or you don't and try to act like you do.  But what may be even more hideous is you love Jesus and live like you don't!  We must constantly reflect on the condition of our heart and live honestly before God and others for our actions must be true and real for our eternity depends on our heart being in love with Jesus.  Lord help us to check our heart and to draw close to you so we won't be hypocrites, but live by faith in your love.  Praise you Jesus. Amen

 July 28, 2024 “When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep,” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Wisdom comes in knowing God, not in trying to understand what God is doing.  We use our minds incorrectly when we question why something happens instead of learning more about the person behind all things.  A wise person trusts in what is worthy of trust.  Jesus said he is the same yesterday, today, and forever and all authority has been given him. Foolishness trusts in anything that doesn't last.  Heaven and earth will pass away but my word will last forever.  Therefore don't try to figure out why, but learn to know God better and trust him more.  Praise you Lord Jesus.  Amen

 July 28, 2024 “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ In order to be humble before God it takes a belief that God exists and he loves us so much that he sent Jesus to save us from our sinful heart.  Then the work of belief and trust begins.  We need God for every part of our life.  Nothing that we think, say, or do, can be done without God, Nothing!  Being a humble person knows this truth and is constantly thinking, saying, and acting in submission to the Lord.  We are never alone and always in need of God.  This attitude shines out in joy, peace, love, kindness, and great adoration to the Lord Jesus who made this humble life possible.  Lord help us grow in the knowledge of this truth of our constant need for you! Amen

 July 27, 2024 “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God made the world so his creatures may glorify him.  When we worship and praise the Lord God for who he is and all that he has done, our hearts are full of love and joy.  Satan came in to the world to deceive us to worship the creation and not Creator God.  Therefore, Jesus came to save us from our deceived hearts and bring us back to glorifying God and enjoying him and his creation forever.  Lord help us worship you and not ourselves and this world.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 July 26, 2024 “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Since God is sovereign it is a frightful thing to live our lives doing evil and getting away with it.  We are blessed when we see our sins and repent of them because that is a gift from God.  We must pray for all those who don't fear the consequences of unrepentant sin.  Lord thank you for your love that helps us realize how much we need you.  Amen

 July 25, 2024 “For there is a time and a way for everything, although man’s trouble lies heavy on him.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God makes the sun rise and set everyday and is in control of all things during that day.  That truth is so comforting for those who love the Lord.  But sin is very disastrous and causes much trouble therefore we must trust and obey God's commands to the best of our ability.  This obedience comes from the Lord!  Praise you sovereign Lord Jesus. Amen

 July 24, 2024 “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Now this statement defines every heart that is not been changed by the love and mercy of the cross of Jesus Christ.  Now it takes a miracle for anyone to see themselves in this way.  We can see others who have these negative qualities but to admit this is who we really are without Jesus is impossible.  So let us remember that our natural tendency is to be wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked, and cling to Jesus love and forgiveness for we have no other hope.  Oh Lord keep on reminding us of our complete need for you.  Amen

 July 22, 2024 “See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ What sin has caused you to scheme in order to get it?  Our hearts are restless until they cling to the Lord.  Satan always tempts us with other things that he says brings us more joy, more fulfillment, more pleasure!  The truth is that only Jesus can satisfy our hearts desires.  Lord keep us from scheming away from you.  Amen

 July 21, 2024 “Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Self reflection is a power tool to those who want to live righteous lives.  It is easy to get angry at people when they act in ways that affect you negatively.  There are interactions that have specific  rules that require obedience and if not followed then scorn is appropriate and justified.  The problem is we live in a sinful world where mistakes and deception rule most often. When Jesus came to show mercy and forgiveness his great love overcomes mistakes and sin.  Therefore before allowing your perceived correct behavior anger you, lovingly ask yourself if you have messed up and has God forgiven you?  If you know Jesus has and will continue to forgive you, you also must forgive the sin that was against you.  That is love!Lord help me to remember that I am a forgiven sinner so I can love those who sin against me.   Amen

 July 20, 2024 “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ There is nothing that ever happens that ultimately doesn't come from God.  When we are prosperous we rejoice in the Lord, when we fail we consider why God had that happen to us.  We should not look for other causes that diminish God's role in all things.  Like Paul said for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.  So we can always glorify God in all things.  Amen

 July 19, 2024 “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This verse is so condemning and yet reveals what heart often we possess.  Anger happens when something happens to us or someone we care for and we believe is wrong.  Since we don't know the future it is impossible to know what is best for us, we may think we do but we can't know, for we don't control the future.  Only God has that control and everyone is foolish to think they can.  Therefore we must give our anger over to God's providence and believe he loves us more than we can imagine.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen

 July 18, 2024 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We have the Holy Spirit that gives us power, love and self-control we must choose to believe and walk with the truth of the Bible.  That must be our prayer, Lord I believe help my unbelief.   Taste and see that the Lord is good and drink from the fountain of living water.  The water will never dry up and it will  everyday satisfy your desires and needs.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 July 17, 2024 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We can be strong and courage because the Lord our God is with us.  This truth when trusted, obeyed, and tried, changes the fearful unto great strength and confidence.  But unless we step out in faith we never grow.  Lord even if you have to push us help us trust in you.  Amen 

 July 16, 2024 “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭94‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How does God's consolation cheer my soul?  If the Lord states that in a situation which seems to us as hopeless, is going to turn out for our good, then if we trust his Word our anxiety will end and hope will take over.  Statements like; God is always with you, he is on your side, all things will work together for your good, he is your rock and your foundation, are in the Bible to give us hope.  God even gives us faith to believe in his promises, the battle is believing and trusting his promises in a specific situation.  Like Peter said, where else can we go, Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life!   Praise you God.  Amen 

 July 15, 2024 ““Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We are to expect trials everyday it is the way God teaches us to grow in faith.  But to worry about the trial, thinking all the effort is in your strength, then we miss the whole purpose of the trial.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart is not memorized but experienced.  Lord help us trust you today.  Amen

 July14, 2024 “For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ In these two verses Solomon explains why it is better to be a stillborn child than a man who cannot enjoy life.  There is no plan, no hope, no light for the stillborn yet he has rest.  A heart that cannot find rest in the Lord would have been better off if they were never born alive.  God provides for us everything we need but if we reject his love we live hopeless, meaningless lives.  Oh how important it is to know and love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Lord please open our eyes to see you more each day.  Amen

 July 13, 2024 “For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When we receive Jesus's love as Lord and Savior we begin living in the kingdom of God.  This life will never end but get richer each day we experience the glory of the Lord.  When our hearts are desirous for Jesus we find our joy in seeing more of him in this world and then in heaven.  What happens here that doesn't glorify God has little value but if what happens here gives praise to Jesus it will last forever.  Lord may we glorify you today.  Amen

 July 12, 2024 “Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt,” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We were made to share our wealth and if we keep it for ourselves the riches we have will hurt us.  Physically and spiritually our wealth will eventually cause us great pain us unless we share what God has given us to those who need our help.  If the Lord has blessed us we must, out of grateful hearts, share his goodness to others.  It is better to give than receive.  Lord Jesus help us to love you and then love others for your glory and our joy.  Amen  

 July 11, 2024 “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When we pray to the God of the universe who died for our sins and knows all things, it makes perfect sense to listen and not say much.  Coming into a building or kneeling at the side of your bed when we pray we are entering a holy place and our hearts should be in reverence and gratitude for the Lord God hears us and loves us.  Jesus you are so wonderful let us praise you always.  Amen 

 July 10, 2024 “In Jerusalem he made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭26‬:‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ King Uzziah was used by God to do many things for he listened to and followed the Lord.  But when he became strong in his mind and did not think he needed the Lord he chose to act in pride, doing what only the priest's were allowed to do.  His fame went to his head and God punished him.  We have to check our heart and make sure we are not taking praise away from the Lord for we can do nothing without him!  Praise you Lord Jesus.  Amen

 July 9, 2024 “And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭25‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How do we live our life in the sight of God? Do we love him, obey him, and trust him with all our heart?  This is a monumental task that we can't do in our own strength.  We must ask the Lord to empower us to love him.  Each day we must seek his help and depend on his faithfulness to us.  When we do he will give us the desire to glorify him in all we do.  Lord help us to lean on you for all we do.  Praise you Lord Jesus.  Amen 

 July 8, 2024 “Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This verse states that there is a time in life when a person stops being able to take advice.  Not that they choose not to but they can't.  It is another way of having a hardened heart where it can't accept forgiveness even if you pursue it.  Lord if you call us to repent may we listen and obey when the opportunity is still there for you might take the forgiveness away if we wait.  Jesus I trust in you.  Amen

 July 7, 2024 “And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭24‬:‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The value of a mentor was so evident in this case for Joash.  We also need mentors, they can be alive or dead but we must learn from those who have gone before us to help us learn to trust and obey the Lord Jesus.  We all must be open to see and hear God through those believers who Jesus brings into our lives either directly or through books, tapes, or any media God may choose.  Lord help us to see you working in the world.  Amen

 July 7, 2024 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ What might the reward be for two people working together? If it is a good team who cooperate and have the same goal then whatever the goal may be the result is a strong bond of friendship.  God made us to have relationship with others and with him.  The worse punishment is isolation.  When we have choices to get involved in people's lives and share with them your love for Jesus then our rewards will be great.  Lord we are never alone because of you, help us to form relationships with those you want us to love.  Amen

 July 6, 2024 “Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We must ask ourselves what is the goal of all our efforts?  Why do we have certain goals?  Could it be, if I had what that person has I would be happier?  Or could it be, more is always better?  Solomon says that envy leads to destroying yourself and wanting more often leads to emptiness.   We must pray to Jesus when we strive for more happiness.  If he is with us all things work together for our good.  Without the Lord it is all meaningless.  Jesus said I am the way, and the truth and the life, do we believe him?  Amen

 July5, 2024 “So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The wisest man who ever lived concluded that he needs someone to tell him what happens after death.  If all die and then what, is there something else or is it over?  God put in our heart a desire for something more even if we don't know what that something is!  The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we have the answer to what is after death.  God,  and his love and judgement.  The choice is to believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!  Amazing grace!  Amen

 July 4, 2024 “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Be joyful and do good.  The ultimate goal living on the world.  It is only possible by having a close relationship with Jesus.  Joy comes by knowing God so loves you that he sent Jesus to die for your sins and you will live with him in eternity.   Doing good is sharing that love of God with others by deeds and words.  There is nothing greater or better for us to do.  Praise you Lord Jesus.  Amen

 July 1, 2024 “a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When we question what is happening in our world we should understand that God is in control and he loves us and all things work together for good for those that love him.  If we worry about tomorrow it may be a good indicator that we don't love God like we ought.  Lord thank you for sending Jesus to pay for our sins that we may know your love for us.  Then our worry about tomorrow will lead us back to you.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen