I stand in awe when I am in the presence of those in uniform, reflecting upon the moments of sacrifice depicted by every stripe and emblem of their service; every moment of fear and dread, every moment of courage and strength, each time they went with tearful heart with loved ones left behind. And so it is that I call to remembrance the ultimate sacrifice that many have made for me. I reflect on those that have gone only to return a broken reflection of who they once had been. The hollowness of eyes that have seen what was never meant for human eye to see, the crippled body that once stood so strong, all reminders of the sacrifice that was made for me to be free. In my minds eye I see them standing tall, a visual definition of what it means to be an American in a land where so many have forgotten.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3

Let’s not forget what has gone before to give us what we have today !! Let’s pause in remembrance . . . thankful for what they have given to maintain the American way.

The constant bombardment of media with headlines of degradation and accusations continue to be ever present before us leaving us with absolutely no idea of what is true. The constant back and forth motion of distorted facts leaves us wondering if there really is such a thing as a word of truth anymore.

Feelings of betrayal are a part of every day life and the constant thought of who can we really trust are there to cause us to question the motives of those that we meet. We face constant change with very little remaining that we thought would last forever. Friendships dissolve that we once thought true, families break apart leaving inner turmoil of doubt as to what we once held on to as truth. In this world we find no answers, no word of truth.

Yet, there is an ever present reminder that we have to hold on to as believers; we have an ever present God who has provided us with His Word of Truth.

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgements endureth forever.” Psalms 119:160

When everything else around us leaves us with questions, we know that He is constant and steadfast, never changing.

“For He is the living God, and stedfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end.” Daniel 6:26b

We can trust in Him and all that He says and does, knowing that He is right and His words are true.

“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth.” Psalms 33:4

As we reflect upon who He is it becomes important that we seek to fill our lives with the Word of Truth that He has provided for us. Rather than looking upon the discrepancies of the world we need to focus on what things we know to be true, filling our minds with His Word and the Truth that He has provided for us.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

When the days start to cool and the sun takes longer to wake up, there begins that feeling in the air of anticipation. All of the sounds, sights and smells become intensified as we begin the ever increasing hustle and bustle of the holiday season; until, there comes that moment when we no longer hear, see or smell and the joy of it all is completely gone. That is the moment when the season has lost its value and our focus is taken off of what really matters, the good part.

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

The good part, the part that has eternal value, the part that will be remembered through all eternity. These are the things we should hold fast to, maintaining balance between the doing, the seeing and the hearing.

The doing. . .

“But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good; to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.” Romans 2:10

The seeing . . .

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” II Peter 3:14

The hearing . . .

“Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when though doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God.” Deuteronomy 12:28

Today, I will seek the good part through seeing, doing, and hearing I will seek God and the things which He has given me to do.

“This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgements: thou shalt therefore, keep them and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 26:16

News stories always leave me with feelings of insecurity in a world that is overwhelmingly at odds. Everywhere you turn people are in conflict over one thing or another. It’s as if a dark cloud has descended over the world leaving an intense feeling of uncertainty and insecurity. As far as this world is concerned it has become a necessity to seek after its own, with no regard for Christ or others.

“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Philippians 2:21

Few find it in their hearts to regard another above themselves, their is a lack of love or concern for the well being of others. It has become a society all about “me”.

However, in a world of overwhelming tension and friction there is far more to the story; for as believers in Christ we have a promise of a God that is Greater than all of the darkness that threatens to engulf us.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” I John 4: 4

“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So it is in He who is Greater that we find the ability to overcome that which threatens to engulf us with feelings of fear. Through Him we have the ability to overcome this world.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world: even our faith.” I John 5:4

In the book of Revelation there are 8 scriptures of promise to those who overcome. The last one being found in Revelation 21:7, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

And knowing this I can walk out my door and enter a world of uncertainty with the certain assurance that I serve a God that is Greater than this world of darkness. He is by my side bringing peace to my heart and security to my soul.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

“And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee: in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart.” I Kings 8:23

For He is Greater . . .

Monday’s are often the hardest days of all to get motivated; the feeling of all the things we intended to accomplish over the weekend, but did not, leave us with with feelings of inadequacy. The dread of facing another week with a to-do-list that only threatens to increase, brings a weariness that can fill our body with fatigue before we even get started. If we focus on these feelings we will begin the week defeated before the battle even begins. These are the days when we need to turn our focus to “Who He is”, rather than who we are not.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

“For the Lord your God, is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Deuteronomy 20:4

“Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song: He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the well of salvation.” Isaiah 12:2-3

We need to focus on “Who He is”, drawing joy from the well of salvation for strength and substance; forgetting all of the things we failed to accomplish, realizing that in Him we have all things.

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecution’s, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:10

When I am not, He is . . .

I know we have all heard the phrase or maybe even the song that expresses the thought, “Joy comes in the morning”. There have been numerous references made to this in quotes, sermons and times of despair. As I read from Psalms 30 this morning I could not help but stop and dwell within its words for a little while. In reflection my heart knows oh too well the truths within this chapter.

In my reflection I was reminded that even though I failed Him and the consequences have been bitter, His anger did not endure forever. I have found peace through Him once again and my strength through Him has been renewed.

“For His anger endureth but a moment, in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing, Thou hast put off my sackcloth and me with gladness. To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee for ever.” Psalms 30: 11-12

Sometimes the days become long and blend one into the next until we aren’t quite sure where one ends and another begins. We find ourselves weary and worn trying to focus on a goal ahead where we see a little bit of hope that the chaos in which we currently exist will regain some form of balance. The strength for today seems to be so far away, yet it’s there before us waiting for us to seek our refuge in Him.

“For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” Isaiah 25:4

He is our strength for today, a shadow from the heat. He promises to be with us through the storms of life, providing us with the strength that we are unable to find within ourselves.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall walk and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

When we become weary and feel like we are past going on, wait upon the one who has promised to be the strength we need for today.

I often find myself trying to figure out the plan of God that lies ahead by looking at the different pieces of my life in any given moment of time, wondering how they all fit together. I spend hours sometimes considering all of the different ways the pieces might be pieced together; even offering God my own suggestions of the various patterns I see, but more times than not, things unfold in ways I never even saw as a remote possibility, following the old cliche “I never saw it coming”.

Those are the moments when it’s as if I can see God smiling as He looks at me knowing full well He took me completely by surprise once again. Each of these experiences brings me to the place where I am reminded to focus on the faith to follow, trusting the hand of my Heavenly Father as He arranges each piece of my life into the masterpiece of His choosing.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” ll Corinthians 5:7

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

“Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” ll Timothy 1:9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 55:8

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun in you a good work will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

When I am tempted to arrange the pieces of my life according to my own thoughts, I will focus on Him knowing that He is in control taking care of each piece of my life just as He would have it to come together according to His perfect will for my life.

Someday when I look back I will see in full array the colors that He incorporated in His masterful design from the limitations of who I was to who He created me to be in Him, but for today I will concentrate on the faith to follow.

“Seek Him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: the Lord is His name.” Amos 5:8

The first time I sought His face my face was lifted up toward the heavens in wonderment that the Creator of the skies and their array of nighttime splendor loved me. I had learned in Sunday School that morning that the God who created the universe, the stars, and the moon up above, loved me so much He sent His Son to die for me to pay for my sin. As I looked up at the stars and reflected on what that must mean, in childlike faith I gave Him my heart trusting in Him for what He had done for me. So it was far before I learned about Orion or the seven stars of the sky that He had created, I sought His face loving Him because He first loved me.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” I John 4:19

Today I often look into that same night sky seeking His face remembering the work that His Son did for me, thanking Him for the work that He is still doing in my heart and life as I continue to learn more of Him. Sometimes, quite often in fact, when I look upward I find myself looking for strength; in those moments I come before Him seeking His face knowing that in myself I am weak, but in Him I will find the strength I seek.

“Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.” I Chronicles 16:11

“Seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore.” Psalms 105:4

As I look up this morning, the stars are starting to fade as the day begins to approach, and so it is that I seek His face knowing that my strength will come from Him.

From a child I have been intrigued by magnifying glasses; the way they bring things in to clearer focus and provide the ability to visualize the intricate detail of things that would otherwise be unseen by the human eye has always fascinated me. In the sermon yesterday, a reference was brought to my attention that I had not clearly focused on in the Bible before, the reference “to magnify Him”.

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalms 34:3

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Psalms 69:30

So this morning I paused to consider what that meant, to magnify Him, and it occurred to me that it meant much the same as what it did when I experienced using a magnifying glass as a child. We are to live in such a way that we bring Him in to clearer focus before a lost and dying world. We are to give an example of Him that enables others to visualize the intricate detail of “Who He is” in such a way that would otherwise be unseen by the “human eye” of this world. All of which is impossible without us allowing Him to work in our hearts so that He can be magnified through us.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

I want “to magnify Him” in all that I say and do, for He has done so much for me. His work is far beyond imagination and His provision far exceeds any thought or comprehension of man.

“Remember that thou magnify His work, which men behold.” Job 36:24