Restore

Lately it's been a time of focus on restoration. Home improvement, sprucing things up, and repairs. It may have been the result of pretty much solely watching TV channels that have things to do with home remodeling and do it yourself project. There are also TV selections where individuals purchase homes that are uninhabitable and totally restore them. Really incredible to see the before and after comparison. It's pretty unbelievable what can be accomplished with a bit of imagination and care.

House restoration is amazing but what is truly miraculous is the transformation that occurs when someone gives their life to Jesus Christ. They may be down and out, addicted, troubled, homeless, jobless, and even hopeless. No matter the condition of their heart and soul, Jesus is the Great Restorer. He transformers people and makes them new again. 

Perhaps you are reading this and know exactly what I am referring to. You may have been restored and transformed from a life of sin and emptiness to one of joy and grace through Christ. It could also be that you are reading this and do not know the Lord or you may know someone that doesn't know the Lord and you long to bring that person to the Lord. Whatever the situation, Jesus Christ is right where you are. He is not out of reach or inaccessible. He wants to know you and the people in your life that don't know Him. Won't you be the one that leads them on their way to restoration and brand new life in Christ? 

Cry out to Jesus, pray and ask Him into your life. Not sure about the way to do that? 

Here is a link that you can reference or send someone to http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/ God bless you in your journey with the Lord.

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 

Acts 3:19-21

PEACE

Peace. It's desired and prayed for but for many impossible to attain.  Peace is defined as a freedom from disturbance, war or violence. Further it is noted to be tranquility and quiet. Quiet and stillness are often difficult to attain let alone peace. Still, we all long to have this state of being for ourselves and those we care about. 

Peace starts with you. Your thoughts, actions and word either align with peace or are counter to it. The way you interact with others, including those closest to you, reveals the degree of peace in your life. Yes, it can be difficult to find peace or quiet even in your own home, still it's important to strive for peace every day.

The Bible has much to say about peace. Read these scripture and keep them close at hand to encourage you as you seek and pray for peace:

 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.. Galatians 5:22

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.  
Psalm 119:165

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John 14:27

Peace be with you!

Balance

Isn't it incredible how balanced God's design is? He created day opposite night, north and south, moon and sun, oceans and land, spring and winter. The contrast and way that balance is woven into every aspect of creation is really quite remarkable. It is although God is pointing to us to realize that there is a purpose and need for change in life. Even so, God's creation unfolds in an orderly way that demonstrates how important balance in our lives really is.

Often you can become out of balance. There are aspects of life's journey that pull and push you into one direction or the other. It is very easy to become consumed or so focused that you lose your sense of where you were headed or why you are even there. You can regain your purpose and restore yourself to true north when you stop and set your eyes on Jesus. No matter the matter, He knows the way and has the power to set you back on the right path. Don't try resetting your life on your own. Balance and restoring balance are God's specialty. He will provide the words, thoughts, circumstances and people you need to right things again. Pray. Seek Him and be open to His hand upon your life as balance is restored.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In A Moment

Life is made of moments. One after another they transpire. Some are just ordinary and others extraordinary. Often you can't tell them apart. Wouldn't it be wonderful if life's very special moments were preceded by an audible alert? Then you would know that this moment was really significant. It might be the moment you meet the person that you will spend the rest of your life with or that will be really special to you. It could be a moment when something really incredible and life changing was going to begin or the decision you made was so right on it set a domino effect of God's blessings cascading into place. 

Life doesn't provide an audible indication of magnificent moments or blessings. You have to be alert and aware so you will recognize them and savor every second. Sure there will be weddings, births and big days of achievement that you will be prepared to relish. Even with that the most significant moments might be very unassuming, subtle and without any fanfare. Keep your eyes open! Listen up and really pay attention. Your life may change in a fabulous new direction in a single moment. 

Be alert too for the return of Jesus. There will be no warning or indication to be ready. It is said in Thessalonians - 5:2  "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."

Life's moments are amazing and precious. Keep your eyes, heart and mind focused on Jesus and enjoy every single moment to the fullest.

Deliver Us From Evil

Evil is real. It springs forth from the most hateful and sinister place of darkness. Jesus knew all about evil. He faced it and overcame it. He taught us to pray that we would be kept from it. In fact, He asked that we would be delivered from it. The word "deliver" means saved, set free from or rescued. That means evil is real and Jesus knew we should be seeking God's Almighty Hand to protect us. I pray too that God would protect us as well. Still, the reality is there is evil in this world and we are vulnerable.

If you have spent any time on planet earth you likely have witnessed evil. It rears its ugly head every day but is visible and evident to different people. Often evil is disguised and clearly seen by the naked eye. Still, if you know and are close to Jesus you may have a sense or be able to discern evil and distance yourself from it.

For sure, you will want to draw close to God and use the weapons of spiritual warfare to protect yourself and your loved ones from evil. If you are unfamiliar the armor that you will be using allow me to introduce you to it. These are the spiritual weapons of choice straight from Ephesians 6:12 -18

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

May God grant you the strength, wisdom  grace and peace you require to be brave, bold and courageous.  Tighten your belt, get on your breastplate, set your helmet in place, pick up your shield and sword and get in the Word and be praying. Our country needs it. Our families require it. Our lives and the lives of future generations depends on it.  Onward Christian soldiers!