Are You A Stretcher Bearer Conclusion
These words are no less real to me today than they were in August of 2005. We have a responsibility to those around us. Yet, are you aware that being a stretcher-bearer is often an unthankful job? Prayer warriors often work without praise or thanks and seldom are they known.
I can remember as a little girl mom and dad taking me to prayer meetings, at least 2 times a week. They weren’t held in the center of town, nor were they announced over national news; they were generally in Sister Barret’s basement and instead of hundreds of people, there were just a few. Yet they prayed! For hours they would pray for the lost of the community and their families. Intercession is not something to get into if you are looking for glamour.
Once there was this preacher who towards the end of revival was starting to feel pretty good about himself and happened to mention how many people had been saved. The pastor said, “I think there is something you need to see,” and led him to the back of the basement into a little room. There he found two mothers on their knees interceding and was informed that these women had been praying for weeks for revival and while he was preaching they were praying!
You see, if we are not careful we get to thinking we’ve done something! If we are not careful we begin to think we have something everyone needs to hear. We’ve preached loudly and we can quickly point out the sins and faults of those around us, and tell them what they need to do, but perhaps we’ve preached so loud our sermons now fall on deaf ears. We must be attentive to the leading f the Holy Spirit and know when to speak and when to pray!
When are hearts are broken and we are moved with compassion, we will be willing to carry the stretchers! Prayer moves mountains and causes prison doors to open!
Are you a stretcher-bearer?
Are You A Stretcher Bearer Part 3
Do we simply shrug our shoulders and walk on and go about our business, or do we intercede and carry the stretcher to the feet of Jesus? When we begin to enter into the presence of the Lord and seek His face, and hunger for His Word and a relationship with Him, the Lord will show us the stretchers we need to carry! There will be a burden!
My daughter was addicted to Methamphetamine, but one day as I studied this passage in Mark, I began to understand when I looked at her I didn’t see my daughter, I saw an addiction; a crank addict. The world has diagnosed it as a sickness, but when you look at the text, Mark 2:5 when Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee, Jesus recognized the man was sick, but He didn’t speak to the palsy, he spoke to the SIN! Later he commanded the man to take up his bed and walk, and the scripture tells us He did that, so those looking on would believe!
Jesus recognized that the sin was of more importance! He recognized the FAITH of those carrying the stretcher and HE HONORED THEIR FAITH! Do you have enough faith for someone you know who is paralyzed with sin? Do you have enough faith to pick up the spiritual stretcher and carry it to the foot of the cross? Do you have enough faith to believe that Jesus will HEAL? Are you willing to stand in the gap?
It is also important to think about an actual stretcher for a moment. It is very difficult to carry a stretcher by yourself, especially when you are carrying dead weight. I can drag it, and you can bet if that is the only way to get the paralyzed to the feet of Jesus, I will drag the stretchers one by one, but when we, and I am speaking to the blood bought born-again Christian, work together, for a common goal, to be stretcher carriers, we will feel a passion for the paralyzed sinners, and we will pick up the stretchers and help carry the load!
As Christians, if we are not willing to be a stretcher-bearer, what is our goal? Of course we all want to go to Heaven! But haven’t we been commissioned to do something while here on earth? Were we not commissioned to love? Were we not commissioned to preach the gospel of the Risen King? It is our duty as believers to stand in the gap! To intercede for the lost! To be stretcher-bearers!
And just when you think your prayers are not being heard, take a look at the words of John.
Revelations 5:8 and we had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.
I challenge you to look around. If you look close enough, you may see a mother dragging her child on a stretcher, because she knows if she can just get her child to the feet of Jesus, He will accomplish the work that needs to be done. Maybe you could lighten the load and pick up one side of the stretcher and help her lower the paralyzed child through the hole and to the feet of Jesus!
Galatians 6:2 bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:9 and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
"If you're content to go to heaven alone, you just may not be going." (Author unknown)
Dear Jesus, we were once carried on the stretcher to Your feet by prayer warriors who looked past the addictions and the bondages, and had faith in You to believe we would be delivered. We want to be stretcher carriers, moving those we love to the foot of the cross. Open our eyes so that we can see past the bondages of sin and see those around us as You do!
In Your mighty Name we pray, AMEN
© August 10, 2005 Jounda LaMance
Are you a Stretcher-Bearer Part 2
There are so many around us who do not know that they are paralyzed. That is where ‘we’ come in! That is where the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16b). So often we get weary with watching our friends and loved ones floundering and not seeming to care whether they might spend eternity in hell! It appears they just don’t care. But we must recognize that ‘we’ have a responsibility. If ‘we’ profess Christ as our risen Lord and Savior then we have a responsibility to the lost, be them a neighbor, a friend or a family member.
We must be willing to step outside of our box and get a hold of a stretcher and carry them to the feet of Jesus! We must take action through prayer! We must recognize that in the last days the enemy is warring for souls! And just as much as he wants all of us to go to hell for eternity, we must somehow seek God to fill is with a passion for the paralyzed! Our desire should be to carry stretchers, to pray like we have never prayed before, to be gap standers!
We tend to classify sin! We tend to think less of the prostitute or the addict; chalking it up to they have made their choices. Recently someone told me they were willing to help, but the person didn’t want help so there was nothing they could do. In the physical world they are absolutely correct, but as men and women of God are we doing all we can do? Are we carrying the stretchers with the paralyzed friends and family to the feet of Jesus?
And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou has written. Exodus 32:31-32
Moses was a stretcher-bearer! On more than one occasion he interceded for the children of Israel, that God would not annihilate them! On this particular occasion he went as far as to say, erase me from your book if you will not forgive them! I wonder if we would dare say the same thing? I wonder if we have the love of Christ within us to intercede for the person who appears to not care about Christ, but would rather wallow in the sins of this world?
Dear Lord, we’ve preached the Gospel with fervor; we’ve told those around us about our church, yet we’ve not been carrying the stretchers like we should. Open our eyes and break our hearts to those around us. Even though they may not want help, we can pray! Even though they may not know they need You we can pray! Help us to have compassion and react to those around us with gentleness!
In Your Name, AMEN
Are You A Stretcher Bearer? Part 1
This message has been stirring within me and I felt now was a good time to resend it. It will be sent in three or four parts, so it is easier to digest. The original message was posted on Faith Writer’s in August of 2005.
Mark 2:1-5 and again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts. Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who Can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether it is easier to say to the sick of the palsy, thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say Arise, and take up thy bed and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee Arise and take up thy bed and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, we never saw it in this fashion. (Emphasis added – KJV)
Jesus was in the house! And because the word had spread that Jesus was in town, the house was packed! People had come from all over to hear him preach! Some friends had heard about Jesus and they decided they were going to put their paraplegic friend on a stretcher and take him to see Jesus! The healer was there! But when they arrived, there was no way they could get in the door much less get a stretcher through the crowd. But they didn’t give up! They climbed to the roof. They made a hole. They lowered their friend into the crowd.
Last night when I read through this passage, the word THEY stuck out like a neon sign. The scripture does not say that the paraplegic said, “hey can I bother you guys to carry me down to see Jesus? I’ll give you $20 for gas.” The scripture simply says ‘they’ went to see Jesus with the paraplegic.
Now notice what it says about Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of palsy, son, thy sins are forgiven!
Here’s the scoop!
They had enough faith to bring the man with palsy on a stretcher to hear Jesus preach!
They were not dismayed by the crowd!
They carried him, on the stretcher, to the roof and made a hole
They lowered him into the crowd.
Jesus saw their faith!
Jesus said to the man with palsy ‘THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN.”
Let me ask you, do you know anyone paralyzed with sin? Do you have a loved one or a dear friend that is so deep in the mire of sin that they are paralyzed? What have you done? What are you doing? I am not suggesting that you strap them down and carry them to church; you’d probably not get very far. What I am suggesting today is that we pick them up on the spiritual stretcher and carry them to the feet of Jesus!
God Almighty, thank You for Your healing touch! Thank you for not giving up on us when we were paralyzed in sin, but rather seeing the faith of those who prayed for us to be delivered. We didn’t know we were in need of the Healer, yet they prayed, carrying us to the foot of the cross. We want to be stretcher-bearers, carrying those around us to the cross. Give us wisdom, strength and compassion.
Salt of the Earth
Colossians 4:5-6 AMP
Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].
“Grace is the salt that seasons our discourse, makes it savory, and keeps it from corrupting.” – Matthew Henry 1741
Paul while in prison, to the church of Colosse, wrote the book of Colossians. He was concerned about the church and how they would deal with the religious zealots. This passage is a lesson in dealing with people on an everyday basis. Life as we know it, outside the walls of the church.
If we could abide within the church seven days a week and deal only with Christians what would life be like? While this may sound intriguing to some, I do believe we would be missing a vast opportunity to reach those around us, to bring out the best in those we love, to be the salt of the earth.
Jesus said: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13 KJV
We are living in a time when our Christianity is questioned. Every aspect of the Gospel is dissected and skeptics look for a way to blow a whole in our testimony; yet, all hope is not lost. You will no doubt meet those who will attempt to argue that there is no God and we developed from a monkey; you will meet those who will ridicule and poke fun at your stand for Christ, but we must seize the opportunities before us.
While nothing is gained from arguing over scripture or trying to prove you are right in a conversation, everything can be gained when we live out a life of grace. When our lifestyles are consistent and our conversations are seasoned with salt, people around us will notice a difference. We cannot be hot today and cold tomorrow; we cannot be singing praise songs today and telling off-color jokes tomorrow. We must live a life that projects Christ, consistently.
We will make mistakes; we will fail but that is part of our walk here on earth. It is how we handle those mistakes and failures that send a message to those around us. If you’ve taken a stand for Christ then you will be watched. People you don’t even know will keep you in their scope to see how you behave. There will be those who will attempt to trip you up and then stand back and point the finger at the slightest infraction. It is in these moments where a consistent prayer life and personal time with God enables us to live out grace!
We are the salt of the earth, but if we lose our savor we are good for nothing! Eugene Peterson translates the passage from Colossians like this: Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
Lord, thank You for Your extreme grace and mercy. We know that we’ve not always lived a consistent lifestyle amongst non-believers and we ask your forgiveness. Help us to be the salt of the earth; so that our conversations are full of grace and our lives project Christ and the work accomplished on the cross! Guard our mouths and our conversations so that we don’t bring a reproach to the Gospel! Help us to have wisdom to seize every opportunity we’ve been given!
In Your Mighty Name we ask, AMEN
Further Reading: Proverbs 3:7 : Proverbs 8:13
© Jounda LaMance March 18, 2007
A Call to Prayer Part 3
Ephesians 6: 18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father, which is in heaven.
There is another group of young people we can’t forget. There are young people who have taken a stand for Christ! They have sold out and on the frontlines. It is not an easy journey, especially wit the temptations they face today, yet they are soldiers fighting alongside those of us who have been enlisted for many years.
We must not forget this part of the army; they need our prayer. They face situations at school and with their peers that you and I never had to deal with when we were in school, and this fraction of the army will reach people you and I will never have the opportunity to reach!
Will you pray with me today?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and mercy! Thank You for these young people who’ve taken a stand for Truth and Righteousness! Lord, You know who they are and where they are and the very details of their lives! We ask for a hedge of protection to be placed around these kids as they go out into the world! Give them strength to stand against all odds and wisdom to lead their peers to the cross!
In Your Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance March 15, 2007
Call to Prayer Part 2
While we have been praying for the children there is another factor we must not forget, the parents; the mothers and fathers who cry in the night longing for their children to turn from rebellion and to God.
Today, so many God-fearing moms and dads are watching their children walk down a road of rebellion and it seems the heavens have turned to brass. They struggle with the thoughts of ‘what did we do wrong,’ and ‘how could I have kept this from happening.’ Often they are made to feel like it is their fault, and shunned by the very ones that once embraced them.
If you know a parents with a child in trouble, now is not the time to remind them of their parenting mistakes, or to tell them what you did when your children were growing up (unless it is prayer). Now is not the time to treat them indifferently, but rather to hold them up in prayer! Become the Aaron and Hur – pull up the ROCK and hold their hands up until the victory is won!
Woulda’, coulda’ shoulda’ will only magnify despair – praying for these parents will create a wall of defense that no enemy in hell can penetrate. Will you pray with me today? Do you know someone that is heartbroken over his or her child? Let’s bind together with cords of prayer and build a wall around these parents!
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19
Dear Father so many parents struggle with a troubled child! Even now there are parents who feel totally alone! You know exactly who they are and where they are! You know the very details of their lives and that is all that is important – that YOU KNOW! Father, we stand together in agreement, building a wall of defense around these parents, asking today for peace that passes all understanding! Give them wisdom! Envelope them with your love and somehow today let them know that their prayers have not gone unheard!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
Chastisement
Psalms 94:12
Blessed be the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law.
I have an employee who is really a great kid. He’s good with the customers and good at his job, but he has one issue that we deal with on a regular basis; he is always late. A couple days ago he and I sat down and discussed this matter. As his employer I’m concerned about the business; as his mentor I’m concerned that he will have serious problems when he enters the police academy next month. When we sat down this last time, I had to try and get his attention, thus leading to a written reprimand.
It is not my favorite part of the job; I’d rather not to have these kinds of discussions, but when you manage people it is a part of the job that has to be dealt with. If he is allowed to be late (I’m talking 1-2 hours late) and nothing is ever said, not only will he be impacted, but also the rest of the team will feel the impact.
Has the Lord ever corrected you? Have you ever been chastised by God? Not such a good feeling is it? Yet, would we really want anything less? As parents we understand the importance of correcting our children, so as children (who have grown beyond the infantile stage of our Christian walk) we understand the importance of being corrected by God.
Not to long ago, the Lord spoke to me to give a certain dollar amount to a missionary. I told Him ok, not a problem. Yet, when my check came in rather than giving the amount right off the top I did other things (I knew better too – still shaking my head). I will never forget the moment when God got my attention. I understood the chastisement was necessary, because I had disobeyed His command.
What if God had said, ‘oh well, someday she’ll get it,’ and allowed me to continue with the disobedience? I wouldn’t have learned a valuable lesson. Just as I hope the young man at work gets the message, so that he not only succeeds where he is, but when he moves on to the academy he is a success there as well; God wants us to grow and mature. He wants us to throw away the bottle and move on to the meat of the Word!
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 12:31-32
It is good for us to judge ourselves, pull down the mirror and take a good look. Ask God to search our hearts and bring to the surface any and all areas that need to be purged. If chastisement is necessary, it is only because He loves us as far as the east is from the west and He wants us to grow into mature Christians!
Dear God, thank You for Your Word and the instruction that You give us through Your law. Search our hearts today and bring to the surface any area that needs to be purged. We want to grow and enjoy the meat of the Word. We want to become children of God that are obedient to Your Word; walking and living out the truth of the Gospel!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
Further reading: Hebrews 12:5; John 15:2
© Jounda LaMance March 13, 2007
Changes
I guess by now everyone knows the time changes yesterday? Since I didn’t have to work I forgot about the change until last night and we were all trying to figure out what the time was. My cell phones changed time, but my PC didn’t, all the other clocks had to be manually set. The problem was I wasn’t aware my cell phones had changed time, so I was confused for a minute.
Life brings changes. King Solomon explained in Ecclesiastes 3. Seasons come and seasons go, people die and babies are born. We change our hairstyle and change the way we dress. We change jobs, and cars. Politics changes, rules change taxes change and on and on. We expect changes in just about every facet of life.
With all of the changes we go through in life, we do have Jesus who never changes! We are told in Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and for ever. If we get confused with the changes of life, we can always rest assured that our Savior does not change with the latest style! Regardless what is going on in politics, taxes or our career, Jesus Christ remains the same!
We may change, our lifestyles may change, and our churches may change but GOD IS THE SAME, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FORVER! When there are no constants, when nothing is consistent – JESUS NEVER CHANGES!
I don’t know about you, but I rejoice in the fact that I don’t have to worry about my King changing His style tomorrow! I don’t have to worry about Jesus changing His plan before the day is over! He is not wishy-washy or confused! He does not spring forward in the spring and fall backward in the fall! He is always present!
King David penned it this way: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. (Psalms 46:1-3)
Oh Lord, how marvelous is Your name! Thank You for being constant and never changing! Thank You for being the same yesterday, today and forever! As life changes all around us, we can run to You, our REFUGE! Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:13)
In Your Mighty and Holy Name!!!! AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance March 12, 2007
A Call to Prayer
It is my opinion that we are in the last days and the enemy of our souls is angry and it seems he is working over time to destroy the lives of our children. Oh, he would like us all to succumb to his tricks and give up, and sadly enough many will, but this is the way I see it; he’s tried to destroy us (as parents) and it didn’t work so now he will work on our kids and maybe get us in the aftermath.
I have a burden for the children. I believe they are the generation that will carry out the last days, and there are some mighty warriors being fashioned. In the meantime, the battle is heated; war has been waged! We live in a day when individuals decide what is right and wrong. For instance, last week a young man told me he saw nothing wrong with stealing from his company. He made low wages and it was only movies; thus the company, in his way of thinking owed him something more. He simply determined that stealing was acceptable and ok and was astonished that anyone would think differently.
Nevertheless, I have not lost hope! Even though I see what drugs, sex, pornography and the humanistic values are doing to our children, I know that our God is still on the throne! Today, I am asking every one of you reading this to join me in prayer! We can’t give up on the rebellious teen we must build a wall of prayer by joining hands and standing shoulder to shoulder and agreeing together that Satan WILL NOT DESTROY THESE KIDS!
I know there is hope, every time I hear my children praying I know that God is still God! Drugs consumed my daughter and there were moments that if I had not known God’s Word I may have given up, but as I watch my daughter grow daily in her walk with Christ and remain free from drugs I know that I know that there is HOPE and prayer is what carried us to this moment!
Will you pray with me today? Perhaps you don’t have children, that’s ok, you can still pray! If you do have children and they have come through the battle – pray with us; pray for all the others still under siege! Let’s lift these kids up today and BELIEVE that they will be free from the bondages of Satan! You see, he knows they are going to be on the frontlines and he knows they are going to be powerful warriors and he’s scared!
There is power in prayer!
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 18:19
Lord, we thank You that You have promised in Your Word to deliver us when we cry out to You. We come to You on behalf of the children and ask that You would deliver them from any ungodliness that is threatening to become a stronghold in their lives. Even though we don’t know all of their names You do! We don’t even know what all the strongholds are, but You do! We stand together in agreement today, asking in the name of Jesus that You will work deliverance on the behalf of each child. We know that although we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We depend on You, Lord, and bring these children to the foot of the cross!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance March 10, 2007
Try Praise
Adversity: a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty or adverse fortune.
“Great souls rejoice in adversity.” Greg Iles Mortal Fear
Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? Apostle Paul Romans 8:35 AMP
Do you ever feel you are under siege? Does it seem that every direction you turn you face adversity? Do you go to bed at night and wonder what will fall apart tomorrow?
Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]. I Peter 4:12-13 AMP
I wonder what would happen if we rejoiced in the face of the enemy? I wonder what would happen if instead of worrying, we proclaimed victory?
The scripture says that Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises and the prison doors opened (Acts 16:25), so there must be something to this concept of prayer and praise!
Whatever you face today, try praise! When adversity knocks on your door shout the victory! When it seems all hope is lost, cling to HOPE and rejoice! Find your song and sing it! Dance if you need to! Stomp your feet – clap your hands! Sing until you can laugh in the face of adversity! Because we know that the fiery ordeals make us stronger! We know that we have Hope Eternal! We know that the victory has already been won on Calvary and no devil in hell will defeat us today!
If you feel washed-out find a praise partner! Sing together! Rejoice together! There is power in prayer and victory in praise!
Jehovah God Almighty! Thank you for the victory! Thank you for Calvary and the blood of your Son Jesus Christ! So many are struggling with adversity and there seems to be no end! Even now they are under siege and wonder if this battle will ever end! Lord, help them find their song of praise! Help them see that they are not alone!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance March 9, 2007
Servants (slaves), be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as [service] to Christ [Himself]-- Not in the way of eye-service [as if they were watching you] and only to please men, but as servants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul; Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men.
Sometimes Christian people can make horrible employees. That’s nothing to be proud of, but a fact just the same. I’ve known Christians who are consistently late everyday for work and are constantly stirring up trouble in their workplace. The bottom line, many don’t like to be told what to do, as if wearing the Christian label gives one a license to be a rebel.
The fact is, when we become Christians the majority of us are not given the opportunity to quit our job and spend a life in prayer. We still have to go to work in order to pay the bills. So, how do we approach this? We must work as unto the Lord. If we work to please men we will fail. If we only work when our employer is watching, we will fail, but if we work as if God is our boss we will come out ahead every time.
You don’t have to go to work and announce, ‘okay, I’m a Christian, everybody watch me,’ but you can work as if you are working to please God and others will watch and wonder what it is about you that makes you different. Even in the worst situations, you can be a living example of love!
As Christians we must be dependable and trustworthy; there is no room for stirring up strife and contention. Don’t let your reputation be that of a gossip. Consider your employer God and work as if He is watching (Cause He is). Many cry out for deliverance from their job because they are surrounded by heathens, but it may just be that you are in your own personal mission field. God may have called you to this place to be a witness; there may be just ‘one’ person you are there to reach, there may be 500!
Let’s go to work today and do the will of God heartily and with our whole soul; rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men.
Dear Lord thank you for the opportunity to work. There are so many who have lost their jobs and wonder how they will get through the next day. Lord, forgive us for not always giving 100% on our jobs and for not always living out the Christ-like example of faithfulness and love. As we go to work today, help us to see and understand your Word clearly and to work as if we are working for you so that we may be a shining light in a dark world!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
Wash Your Face not Your Brothers
Matthew 7:3 AMP
Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye?
Yesterday employee #1 called in late and hour later the same employee called in late again. Employee #1 finally showed up 2 hours late then went home, but before leaving this employee was happy to point out (it was a defense action) that employee #2 was late the day before by thirty-minutes.
I was so amazed by the conversation that I was at a loss for words (doesn’t happen often). The rest of the day my thoughts were filled with how quickly we throw others under the proverbial bus, when the spotlight is on us.
The employee mentioned above does not profess to be a Christian, so this behavior is expected. Christians wouldn’t do this sort of thing, or would we?
If we’re not careful we become sin classifiers and judges. We point out the ugliness and remind people of their faults. I’m reminded of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:9-11) and was drug to the feet of Jesus. The woman must’ve expected a lecture on the very act of sin; she must’ve expected to hear how horrible she was and how she would never amount to anything; yet our Savior didn’t accuse, but rather said, ‘go and sin no more.’
Even with the written examples of mercy and grace and the admonishment to be like Christ, we still take on the attitude that it is our responsibility to point out the faults of others, especially if the spotlight happens to turn on us.
I can hear the comments now, ‘but you have no idea what so-in-so has done.’ You may be right, but who are we to point out what anyone has done? We cleverly classify sin, but leave out those that we either can’t pronounce or get a little close to home.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
I would like to end this thought with text from Eugene Peterson’s The Message: Matthew 7:3-5
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Dear Lord of mercy and grace, help us today to wipe off the smudges of contempt on our own faces. Open our eyes to see others the way you do, and most importantly, to see the areas in our own lives that need to be cleansed. Forgive us for bringing a reproach to the Gospel with judgmental attitudes. We want to show mercy and grace just as you’ve shown mercy and grace to each of us!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance March 7, 2007
Love One Another
I Thessalonians 3:12
AMP
And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you.
I had to spend some time at work yesterday (my day off) discussing with my team that they need to grow up. You see, when I’m not there they behave as little children; fighting and refusing to speak to each other which in turn flows over into the entire crew and is impacting our customer service. I showed them some video of themselves, hoping they would see just how it looks from the other side of the counter. The fact is it is not very becoming when you have adults behaving worse than children.
So, how does this fit in with Christianity? It is not attractive when you see Christians who cannot get along. The world simply mocks our testimony when they hear us gossip or tear down our pastors and brothers and sisters. We preach love, but do we live it?
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message)
Paul admonished us to not only put on the whole armour of God, but to pray and he didn’t stop there, we are to pray for our brothers and sisters! That doesn’t mean pray that they get what they deserve – that means lifting our brothers and sisters up before the Lord – putting all malice aside!
When we pray for each other we will get along and as the world watches us, they will see love in action! Honestly, how can we preach love and peace to a dark world, when we can’t get along with our brothers and sisters?
Dear Lord, thank you for your unfailing love! Thank you for sending your son so that we might have life! Lord, help us to put off all bitterness and strife and to embrace our brothers and sisters in prayer and love! Help us to step outside of our boxes of denominations and religiosities and see each other as you see us! We want to walk in your love and be an example of your tender mercies!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance March 6, 2007
Mystery Shoppers
Where I work we have what is called Mystery shoppers. We do not know who they are, when they arrive or when they leave. We know they will shop us at least once in 30 days and within hours of them visiting my restaurant a report is on my desk of what they found.
The concept behind the Mystery Shoppers is to let us know how we are doing when we don’t know someone is watching. With this thought in mind, we must stay on our guard. We never know if the customer we are helping is a Mystery Shopper.
I was thinking about this concept and the following scripture came to mind. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8)
The Mystery Shoppers are not the enemy; they are simply put in place to ensure we are doing our job consistently right. On the other hand, we have an adversary that roams around looking for opportunities to devour those who let down their guard.
The writer is letting us know we must be watchful and diligent to prevent any designs the enemy may have on our souls. Sobriety and watchfulness are necessary virtues at all times, but especially in times of suffering and persecution. If we lose our faith; if we give into despair then we’ve opened the door to be devoured.
In order to be vigilant, we must study the Word of God and pray! We will be devoured if we have the mindset that we can just get by with a prayer here and there or a good sermon once a week. Just as it is at my job, if we only follow part of the rules part of the time, we will fail. As Christians, if we only serve God when we are around our Christian friends, then we will find trouble.
Dear Lord, thank you for your lovingkindness, mercy and grace. We know that we are not always faithful and we seek forgiveness! Help us Lord to know your Word and to be fully clothes in your armour. Help us to be an open living walking Bible that will lead others to you!
We ask in your MIGHTY NAME, AMEN
Going to Battle Part 2
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. I Samuel 17:38-40
Can you imagine the look on Saul’s face as David handed back his armour? He must’ve been thinking this kid has spent too much time in the wilderness; the sun has fried his brain. Men of war know you don’t go to battle unprepared. Yet, while Saul’s seasoned men stood trembling in their armour, David says, no, I can’t wear this stuff I haven’t proved it. There must’ve been chatter among the brethren that day. Although they stood shaking in their sandals, David was not making a wise choice. Going to battle without armour was a death sentence.
Here’s the point, God equips! He equips each one of us individually and uniquely. The problem arises on our human level when we get our ideas in the way, and start looking at how God is equipping others or how they are fighting their giants. Somehow we begin thinking that all giants have to be slain the same way, but it is God that equips!
You may only have a slingshot today and you may be wondering how in the world you are ever going to kill decapitate your giants. Remember, it is God that equips.
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. (I Corinthians 1:27)
Dear God many of us face giants even today; give us the wisdom and the strength to go forward knowing you’ve equipped us according to your plan. Help us not to look at those around us, and how you’ve equipped them, but to keep our eyes on you! We know that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
Going to Battle Part 1
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. I Samuel 17:38-40
Has anyone ever tried to put his or her armour on you? Have you ever faced a giant in armour you hadn’t proved?
Saul wasn’t being mean or hateful by putting his armour on David; he was doing what men of war do; they dress for battle and if this boy was going to face the giant it only seemed right that he wear Saul’s armour. Nevertheless, his good intentions came up short. David was not prepared or ready to fight the giant in armour he had not proved.
Men of war were fitted for battle and their armour was proved or tested. Men didn’t swap breastplates or swords; when you were fitted that was your personal armour and you proved it through use.
As Christians we often try to put our armour on those around us. It seems natural that if I slay giants in my armour you could slay giants as well, but the fact is, even though we may be comfortable in our armour, each person must prove their armour for themselves.
The Hebrew word for prove, is ‘nacah’ (pronounced naw-saw) and it means to test, tempt or try. The same word is used in Exodus 16:4; 20:20, Deuteronomy 8:2,16 and here you will find God dealing with the children of Israel. They must go through spiritual test and be proved.
When we see our friends and family facing giants, our instinct is to hand them our battle-gear; give them our breastplate and helmet of salvation, because we don’t want anyone to go into battle unprotected. But, everyone must ‘prove’ his or her own armour. The proving comes through combat or testing. It is here where we learn how to pray and our faith is built.
In Ephesians 6 we are told about the armour of the Lord. It belongs to each of us, but nowhere in the passage will you read where Paul tells us to dress each other. He is talking to each one of individually. That doesn’t mean you don’t have your brother or sisters back through prayer, but trying to fight in armour you haven’t proved will only lead to catastrophe.
Dear God, thank you for equipping us with battle gear! Help us Lord to prove the armour you have given us and to be worthy soldiers of the cross. We want to be prepared for battle, not dragging along someone else’s gear. Help us to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters through prayer as we face the giants in the arena of life.
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN
© Jounda LaMance March 1, 2007
Lessons From A Child
Be ye of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Romans 12:16
She was about his size and probably close to his age. Right away they started playing together. If you walked up you would’ve thought them to be related, but they had just met there in the park.
I sat on the swing and watched the interaction between my grandson and this little girl and thought about the words of Jesus when He said: Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)
On that day the disciples were concerned with who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and it was Jesus that placed a child in the midst and taught them a lesson. Part of the lesson was that the children were teachable. They were willing to sit at the Master’s feet and learn.
As we grow into adults and seasoned ‘Christians,’ we often tend to lose that child-like humility. We develop a thought process that we already know everything there is to know which in turn creates an ‘I’m better than you’ attitude.
Yesterday at the park these two children did not have a list of things they expected. They didn’t judge by the clothes they had on or the cars they were riding in. They weren’t concerned with which side of the tracks they were from – they simply played and enjoyed each other’s company. They could’ve shunned each other and played by themselves, but what fun would that have been?
As Christians what if we threw away our preconceived ideas and judgmental attitudes about those we come in contact with, and simply viewed others through the eyes of Christ. What if we set aside everything we think we know and humbled ourselves? What if instead of judging someone by their past, we looked at them as what they will be once covered in the blood of Jesus? What if we led people to the cross through unconditional love?
As we were leaving the park, the little girl ran up to us and said, “I love you little boy.” Chris turned and gave her a hug and then we went on our way. We will probably never see that little girl again, but there was a great lesson to be learned about loving others as Christ loves us.
Jesus doesn’t care what side of the tracks you are from, or who your family is or isn’t. He doesn’t care what you’ve done or where you’ve been. He looks past all of our sins and sees the heart of the matter.
Jesus we want to thank you for your unfailing love. Lord, we want to love others as you’ve loved us. Open our eyes so that we may see those around us as you see them! Help us to lead the lost to the cross through a living, walking example of your love, mercy and grace!
In Your Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 27, 2007
Love in Action
What is wrong with our world is that love is in short supply – Christopher Bryant
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
This quote came across my last week and it’s triggered a thought process. Is love really in short supply?
As Christians our catalyst is love! Without Love we don’t stand a chance. It was Love that made the ultimate sacrifice giving us a chance for redemption! It was Love that spread His arms and opened His hands accepting the nails so that you and I might have life!
Yet, love seems to be in short supply according to Christopher Bryant. If this is true, and we know that God’s love hasn’t changed or run out, then perhaps the world is not seeing the love of God through us, as Christians.
We can preach love, and sing about love but the world has heard it all. Most in the world can quote John 3:16 but they need to see love in action. Our words have little meaning if we do not live out love as Christ commanded.
I am going to leave you today with I Corinthians 13. It is lengthy, but I challenge you to read through the passage and ask God to open your hearts to any areas where love does not reside. My prayer is that, as Christians, we not only speak of love, but walk it out!
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
© Jounda LaMance February 26, 2007
Patterns of Worship
Something crazy happened yesterday; the paper towel dispenser at work broke. You see, this contraption hangs by our sink where we wash our hands at least 500 times a day. It has one of those levers that you tap approximately 5-6 times to get the right amount of paper towel. You tap the lever, turn on your water and then dispense the soap.
But of course yesterday there was a kink and the paper towels sat on the counter and we had to pull off what we needed. Not so bad, except a habit has been created. I caught myself pulling off the paper and still reaching up to tap the lever the normal 5–6 times, even though I knew there was nothing in the machine.
As I drove home from work last night I was thinking about all of the patterns and habits we create in our lives and was contemplating our walk with Christ. I believe if we observed our daily lives, we’d find many habits that would be tough to break. Some things we’ve been doing so long it would take an act of congress to change.
What would happen if we rejoiced all the time: (I Thessalonians 5:16)
What would happen if we prayed without ceasing: (I Thessalonians 5:17)
What would happen if in everything we gave thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18)
What would happen if every morning we spent time with God? David did: My Voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:3)
You see there are ‘false’ religions that pray three times a day. Seriously, it doesn’t matter where they are or what they are doing, when it is time to pray, they pull out their prayer rug and go at it! They have created a habit or pattern to pray to a false god; yet I dare say as Christians, who serve a LIVING GOD, we fall short in our communion with our King.
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psalms 55:17)
Think about your pattern of communion with God, are you devoted? Do you feel like something is ajar when you miss those moments alone with Him? Have you created such a pattern that praise is on your lips even in the hard times? Are you a worshipper? If so, I’m sure you would be able to tell us that the ability to worship came through much trial and prayer!
The enemy of our souls does not want us to praise; he doesn’t want us to pray daily! In fact, he will cause you to sleep your best early in the morning when you could be spending quiet time alone with God. Our enemy knows the power of prayer and understands what happens when we create a pattern of worship in our lives!
While we may mock the people who serve false gods and adamantly pray and worship their idols, we could really learn from their devotion to which they serve.
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out f the house of the Lord. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, and I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.
Psalms 118:24,26,28-29
Singing at Midnight
Acts 16:22-26
And the multitude rose up against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
Paul and Silas gave us an incredible example: they prayed and sang praises unto God. The scripture tells us that the other prisoners heard them, so they must’ve been singing and praying with muster. They no longer feared what man could do to them, but understood the power in prayer and praise!
The day has been long, the problems grow worse; the second hand is reaching midnight – but all hope is not lost! Even when you hear the sound of the prison doors closing, all hope is not lost! It was at midnight – no doubt they were racked with pain; their feet hurt from the stocks – yet they did not give up!
Regardless of what has been going on in your life; regardless of how bad it may seem I tell you today, all hope is not lost! Yes it is almost midnight, and perhaps you can hear the rattle of chains and the slamming of prison doors, but we serve a God who specializes in shaking the very foundations of our prisons!
It is midnight – raise your voice in prayer!
It is midnight – sing out the praise of our God!
Lord we proclaim Your Word today and know that You are still on the throne! Regardless of how dark it is; we stand together and raise our voices in praise to You!
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 24, 2007
Faithful
Hebrews 10:23 (AMP)
So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word.
The Greek translation for the word faithful is:
Webster’s Dictionary describes the word faith as:
Function: adjective
1 obsolete: full of faith
2 : steadfast in affection or allegiance : LOYAL
3 : firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : CONSCIENTIOUS
4 : given with strong assurance : BINDING
5 : true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original
We live in a world where your word may or may not mean something. Depending on someone could cost you a great deal and trusting others could cost you even more. Nevertheless, we serve One who is Faithful!
When someone breaks a promise or lets us down we feel anger and hurt. We often mutter the words, “I don’t deserve to be treated in this fashion,” yet, Jesus gave His life for you and I, and I must ask, do we remain consistently faithful to His love and sacrifice?
You see, we didn’t deserve His mercy, grace and faithfulness but that didn’t stop Him. I still don’t deserve His love, but He is faithful and loves me when I am most unlovable!
When we are unfaithful and undeserving Jesus Christ remains consistently FAITHFUL and will do so unto the end! He gave us His Word and we can stand firmly knowing that He has not and will not EVER FAIL US!
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. Revelation 1:5
Prince of Peace, you came to this earth as a man and walked out the perfect example. Lord, help us to be faithful in everything we do. Help us to be a living example of your faithful and steadfast love and mercy!
In Your Mighty Name we ask, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 23, 2007
Oh Death Where is thy Sting?
I Corinthians 15:55
Oh death where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
We do not know when our time to die will arrive. We know, based on scripture that we do not have the promise of tomorrow; so we must live each moment as if it were our last! Cherish the time we’ve been given and live life in such a way that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that heaven awaits us! Keep short accounts so that when we stand before God we will hear, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’
There is another facet of death we don’t like to think about, and that is when someone we love passes on. When we stand by the grave and watch the casket lowered and walk away wondering what we will do now. My grandmother spent 66 years with my grandfather and she is now in this very place. This is real life, the day in and day out pieces of reality that we like to push to a back corner.
We go through the stages of grief, and yet we still have hope. As Christians we know something better awaits us! As Christians we know that death has no sting and the grave has no victory!
Yes, there is a missing piece in our daily lives, but we rejoice because we know the grave cannot hold the one we love! If you have recently lost a friend or loved one cling to the scriptures; hold onto the promises of God! We will all be together again and oh what a day that will be!
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2a
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints. Psalms 116:15
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Proverbs 14:32
Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works shall follow them. Revelation 14:13
Dear God thank you that life doesn’t end here on earth. Thank you for the promise of eternity spent in your presence!
In Jesus Name, AMEN
Tattered Armour
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
At work we have this apron that is bright red and made of a heavy vinyl material. When I put it on it hangs from my neck to my feet. It is heavy and a real pain to wear, but we do not have a choice. You see, we fry hundreds of pieces of chicken and the fryers can be very dangerous, and the flour gets everywhere. So, this bright red apron serves as a protector. Not only are we protected from the grease, but it also serves as a shield from the flour.
Not a bad idea huh? Well yesterday I was noticing that the vinyl breastplate is tattered. From months of use it has developed holes in strategic places; so that when you remove the apron you have flour markings on your black clothes. I also noticed, when looking from certain angles it really has a shoddy appearance to the customers. One young man had a great idea; he covered the holes with duct tape, which really added to the beauty of the whole scene. The final analysis is I need to purchase a new apron for my team.
This got me to thinking about our spiritual armour.
Do you remember when you first learned about the armour available to you? Do you recall the excitement; how you utilized it, put it on every morning and dared the enemy to come near you? How does your armour look today? Is it tattered? Are there holes? Has it been maintained? Do you even know where it is?
You see, God’s armour is ours, but we must utilize it and I believe it must be preempted and followed up with prayer! Verse 18 says: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. We must also take into consideration the entire chapter of Ephesians 6 (that’s a hint to get out your Bible and read through it – smiling).
I think sometimes we must look a mess! We may even try to put duct tape on the breastplate; how the enemy must laugh at us when we drag out our armour in an attempt to look strong in the Lord! It’s not enough to say we have it, nor is it enough to think about it when things start going bad. If you want to be protected keep it polished through prayer!
Heavenly Father, thank you for this magnificent armour you’ve given us! From head to toe we are covered if we apply it! Forgive us Lord for taking it for granted and give us the wisdom to know how to use every piece.
In Your Mighty Name we ask, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 21, 2007
IF It Were Not For the Grace of God
There Go I
I Timothy 1:15-17
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all exception, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen!
When Jesus walked the earth he spoke directly to this issue. The Pharisees continually found fault that this man Jesus could be found in crowds of sinners; yet this was His purpose – to save the lost! Before we shake our heads at the religious, we must ask ourselves are we not like them? Do we shun those who do not fit into our ‘perfect’ world? Do we look down on those who have not yet found Jesus? Do we recognize that we are the sinners saved by grace!
When we step outside of ourselves and look back at where we came from we might see that we did not deserves God’s mercy and Grace – yet, when we got to the end of our rope we cried out and Mercy was there!
Humility recognizes the addict is a person who is in need of mercy! Humility recognizes that the alcoholic is a person in need of grace! Humility recognizes those in bondage are in desperate need of mercy and grace!
All my life I’ve heard the saying, ‘if it were not for the grace of God, there go I,’ it is now that I am beginning to understand. You see, I am no better than the young person gripped in the power of addiction! I am no better than the person enslaved to sexual sins! I am the chief of all sinners and God’s mercy found me! I was walking down a path of destruction and Grace enveloped me! I have been redeemed, but not so I can throw it or flaunt it! I am no better than the person holding a sign on the corner; I am no better than the person tweaked out on drugs!
What about you today? Do you remember where you came from? Do you recall the place you were when Mercy and Grace found you?
Jesus full of Mercy and Grace! You reached down into this dark world and seen fit to deliver and set so many free! Lord, help us to live our lives in such a way that those around us see longsuffering, grace and mercy in action. Let us not forget that it is only by your grace that has carried us to this moment!
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen!
© Jounda LaMance February 20, 2007
A Sweet Aroma
II Corinthians 2:14-16 The Message
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
When I was growing up my mother had one fragrance she always wore. She has been gone for several years now, and every so often someone will walk by wearing the same fragrance, and instantly I am carried back to another place and time. The memories are precious and cherished!
There are also those moments when you can be going about your daily business and someone will walk by and their smell will grab your attention, but not in a favorable way.
Look at the words of Paul; through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation.
I wonder today if you are a sweet fragrance to those around you? Does your fragrance cause people to turn or does your scent repel? If you are religious, I will dare to say you repel! Religion does not have a sweet aroma and never leads to joy! Christ living in us gives off a sweet scent, which leads those around us to God!
Dear Jesus, thank you for living in us! As we are led from place to place in victory, we want to shine forth your love; we want to radiate a sweet aroma that draws people to the cross! Search our hearts today, and open our eyes to those areas in which we have become religious! Help us Lord to be a sweet aroma in a dark world!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN
© Jounda LaMance February 19, 2007
Invariably Forever Triumphant!
II Corinthians 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Webster’s Dictionary describes the word ‘always’ as follows:
AT ALL TIMES, INVARIABLY FOREVER, PERPETUALLY
In ourselves we are weak, and have neither joy nor victory; but in Christ we may rejoice and triumph. When we try to achieve victory without Christ, we may succeed according to societies standards, but ultimately we will fail!
Through Christ we are victorious! In Christ we are champions! With Christ we triumph every time!
Everything may be falling apart around you; perhaps you are in pain; your children are out of control; marriage is shaky or your job just ended and the bills still roll in. Be it one of these things or all of above; I would like to encourage you with this scripture:
I John 4:4 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.
II Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Paul didn’t say, now thanks be unto God who sometimes allows us to triumph in Christ!
NO!! We will ALWAYS be triumphant as long as Christ is the center of our lives!!!
Jesus, we want to thank you for VICTORY! In the face of defeat; in the middle of catastrophe; when everything seems to be falling apart, we know today that IN YOU and THROUGH YOU as long as you are the center of our lives – WE ARE VICTORIOUS AND TRIUMPHANT! We know that the troubles of this world will soon pass away – there is coming a day when there will be no more tears or pain! We know VICTORY IS OR TODAY because of YOU!!!
We give you al the praise and glory!! AMEN!
One Thing I Know
John 9:22-25
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
Therefore said his parents, he is of age; ask him.
Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
He answered and said, whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see.
The crime would have been to confess Christ as the Messiah. Although they expected a Messiah, they could not handle the fact that this Jesus was He. First His precepts were so contrary to their traditional laws. The spiritual worship he prescribed overthrew their formalities. Humility and mortification, repentance and self-denial, were new to them and sounded harsh and strange in their ears. Secondly, his promises and appearances were so contrary to their traditional hopes.
The penalty for this crime was to be removed from the synagogue, as one who rendered himself unworthy of the honors, and incapable of the privileges of the church.
The parents feared the Jews; they feared what man could do to them. They would be outcast in their circle of friends and the honor they wore, as a cloak, would be crushed. They escaped this penalty because their son was of age. He would now be responsible for his own actions and they would not be forced to make a decision.
The young man spoke boldly, He answered and said, whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see. Perhaps his boldness was out of ignorance of the law! Perhaps he did not know what the punishment would be for his crime of confession! Perhaps his lifetime of blindness stunted his ability to rationalize what his future would be like in the community if He confessed Jesus as the Messiah!
His life had dramatically changed! He was once blind, but now could see; the Messiah had touched him; his life would be different! The Messiah had released him from blindness opening his eyes! As the religious men looked for a denial – this young man made a confession! As the religious hoped for a confession that Jesus was not God but merely a man; the confession was made – I do not know if he is a sinner or not, but one thing I do know – I was blind and now I see!
There will always be those who are trying to explain away the miraculous works of our King! At some point in your Christian walk you will face the decision – confession or denial! You confessed Him as your personal Savior and you may have walked with Him for many years, but there will come a time when you are put in a position to confess Him to those around you. How will you handle the situation? Will you announce – remove me from the synagogue if you must, but I was blind and now I see or will you fear what man can do unto you and deny Him?
Messiah, we were blind and now we see! We’ve been delivered and set free! Lord, help us to stand with courage in the face of adversity! Help us to acknowledge you, when all the odds are against us! Help us not to fear man, but to stand boldly in our confession of faith; acknowledging you as Lord of Lords and King of Kings!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
Promises, Promises
Have you ever broken a promise? Have you ever been on the receiving end of a broken promise? It can be devastating if we put our trust and expectation in people around us. The truth is, regardless of how much you love someone there will come a time when a promise will be broken.
Nevertheless, when we trust in God and put our expectation in Him (Psalms 62:5) we will know a lifetime of promises kept!
Think on these promises today and rejoice!
Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
II Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
I Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
II Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
I Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
II Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:1-3 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
II Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
© Jounda LaMance February 14, 2007
Monument Building
Mark 9:2-5
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
Jesus selected three men to go with Him and experience the transfiguration. He could’ve left them at the bottom of the mountain but He chose for them to see; He chose for them to experience something unbelievable.
Peter was known for his irrationality, and I believe if you look through history or even through your own life, we will see his pattern unfold. Our tendency is to want to build monuments. In a sense we become stuck in a period of time and can’t seem to move forward – we become monument builders. Yet, we read the scripture and we know that even Jesus left the mountaintop and walked among the men – healing, delivering, and setting captives free.
I’ve experienced the mountaintop and my inclination is to want to stay there; I’ve even gone so far as to try to reconstruct the experience – building tabernacles or monuments from the memories – but the harsh reality is, I must come out of my prayer closet and enter into the world of darkness.
It is good to be on the mountain in communion with Christ, but we must not forget that the presence of Christ needs to be among the people. While we long for that private communion, we must not forget there is work to do! The private communion serves as a filling station of sorts, enabling us to go out and love; enabling us to go out and sing forth the praises; enabling us to be useful!
Jesus, Lord of Lords and King of Kings! How wonderful you are! Lord we understand there is so much work to do – so many lost and searching! We’ve built monuments marking our experiences, attempting to keep the moment alive. Lord, we want to be useful for the Kingdom of God! We want to lead people to the cross – not our monuments of glory! Open our eyes so that we can see the work that needs to be done!
In Jesus Name we ask! AMEN!
Maintaining His Intent
I had the day off yesterday and was enjoying relaxing around the house when the phone rang. Our inspector was at the restaurant and he was almost finished writing his report; which meant he’d been there for a while and if anything had gone wrong, there was nothing I could do about it at this point. I waited a little while before going in to meet with him and read his report. I was anxious to see how we’d done on the inspection.
I was pleased to find out the report was excellent. Once again we passed our monthly inspection with high marks. I looked over at my employees and they too were waiting to hear how they’d done. I gave them thumbs up and they relaxed a bit, then when I had a chance I gave them all hi-fives and major kudos.
You see, they maintained my intent. They know exactly what has to be done and they have not wavered; so much that I did not have to be present to pass the inspection. I told them over and over how proud I was; how thankful I was to have such a fabulous team! When I left last night, we were all smiling!
This concept of maintaining your employers intent can be carried over into our walk with Christ. Do we know what is expected of us as Christians? Do we know what the Word of God says about how we should live? Do we have to be in a church building to live right or do we maintain His intent 24-7? Do you treat the poor differently when you are with fellow-Christians? Do you talk differently at work than you do when surrounded by the saints?
There is nothing like being in the Presence of God; being on top of the mountain is an unbelievable experience, but we do not live on the mountaintop and we don’t always have the goose bumps or dancing up and down the isles. Even when the heavens seem as brass we must maintain His intent.
Whether we are on the mountain or in the valley; whether we are in the midst of trials or in a period of stillness – we must be consistent, living in such a way that if the inspector shows up there will be no surprises! Living in such a way that if the trumpet should sound today; you will not be left behind.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:8
Dear God we want to be Christians that maintain your intent even when we aren’t in the presence of an awesome worship team or a fabulous preacher. We want to live consistently according to the Word of God – whether at work, home or at play. The mountaintop experiences are great, but Lord when we come down to the valley help us to maintain your intent. Stir up a hunger within each one of us for your Word!
In Your Mighty Holy Name we pray, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 12, 2007
Warriors, Young and Old
The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7
I am no stranger to fiery trials and I am sure many of you reading this have walked the same road. We’ve been through the fire, and God was with us! We’ve been in the flood and He was there! We could write volumes of our experiences and in the end proclaim that God never left us!
There’ve been many times when I didn’t know if I would get through and prayed for the trials to end! The fire was more than I could handle; yet it is in the trials that we become stronger! We cling to the Word with a white-knuckled grip and pray for wisdom and strength to endure, and once through we see a clearer picture of God’s purpose!
Yesterday I listened to my daughter explain a situation (trial) her family is going through. I hung up the phone and soon realized I was praying for this to end. They needed a break! Enough was enough! The mom in me wanted to make it right and I certainly didn’t enjoy hearing the anguish in my daughter’s voice. As I continued to pray the value of trials became clear.
Just as I have had to go through the storm (and will no doubt go through many more), God is growing my daughter and she too must endure the storms! This is the trial of her faith! She is a young warrior who must go through endurance test! She must learn how to pray through the trials and tribulations – this is how we grow!
When I got to work I called my kid and encouraged her through the Word! I reminded her that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. We talked for a few minutes and I could hear a change taking place! She understood and by last evening the little warrior was back!
You see, we all must go through endurance test! We all must be tried! It is often painful and sometimes downright difficult, to the point of we cry out to God – DELIVER ME! When we see those we love going through trials, our natural instinct is to cry out to God for deliverance; yet if we stop for a moment we know the trials are necessary!
So, what do we do? Many times our approach is wrong. We thunder the Word of God and treat people as if they shouldn’t waiver; they shouldn’t have any weakness; they should be strong! This can be devastating, especially to a new Christian! As brothers and sisters in Christ we must encourage! We must pray for strength and wisdom! We must recognize that God is growing-up those going through trials! Warriors are being groomed for battle!
Do you know a young warrior? Have you offered encouragement? Do you pray for their endurance? Do you pray that God strengthens them through the fires and storms of life? Keep in mind, every warrior had to start somewhere – this includes you and I!
Lord God Almighty, help us to be encouragers! Help us to stand beside the young warriors you’ve placed in our path and walk them through Your WORD! Help us to remember that we all were once new recruits and Your armor was unfamiliar to us! Give us the wisdom and strength we need for the battlefield!
In Your Name we ask, AMEN!
I Know My Redeemer Lives
Yesterday morning the sunrise was spectacular. The sky over Mt. Taylor was splashed with a brilliant display of colors. I stood in awe, as the colors brightened and deepened; for a minute it seemed the sky was on fire, and I knew my Redeemer Lives.
Yesterday afternoon a lady approached my counter. In her arms she carried a bundle, and peaking out was the biggest brown eyes and the most adorable smile. Her precious baby girl looked like a little angel. I knew at that moment my Redeemer Lives!
It was as if everything I looked at yesterday pointed to the Creator of the universe. The morning sky, a babies smile, the elderly couple who laughed; everything spoke volumes. My senses seemed to be in overdrive, and this incredible life seemed to buzz with energy.
God, the Master Creator; the artist, the Life-Giver has placed a world around each one of us that lets us know – without doubt – that HE IS ALIVE FOREVER MORE!
I challenge you today to take a moment and notice the wonderous works of God!
Stand still, and consider the wonderous works of God. Job 37:14)
Dear Lord our prayer today is from Psalms 8
O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
© Jounda LaMance February 10, 2007
Cell Phones, Palm Pilots and Prayer Time
This past week I’ve tried to think back and remember the time when I didn’t have a cell phone and for the life of me I can hardly bring it to the surface of my memory. I just don’t remember what it was like not having the small device to keep me connected. Yet, it’s been a week since I lost my phone in a mountain of snow and I feel disconnected from the world around me.
The question has lingered all week, how did we keep in touch before cell phones? (Much like the question, how did we cook popcorn before microwaves?) As the world advances we are caught up in the tide of change. Before you know it, we have the latest gadgets that will add a few more minutes to our day.
We are basically busy people, yet each one of us is allotted 24-hours and most of have successfully managed to need more than that to get everything done. Microwaves, Palm Pilots, cell phones and fast food enable us to speed through routines that otherwise would leave us encumbered with too much to do and just not enough time.
With all of this in mind, there is something that hasn’t changed.
I wonder if our gadgets have allowed us more time with God? I wonder if our ability to speed through daily task has enabled us to spend more time in our prayer closet? Now that we have so many things to make our lives easier have we freed up time to communicate with God? Do we hunger for those moments alone with Him?
This week as I have reached for the cell phone, (only to realize it’s not there) I’ve given much thought to my communication with Him. In the speed of light I can communicate with friends and family, and with all of this extra time, I find I spend less time with Him!
He is always there! He is waiting for us to slow down and sit at His feet! We advance through technology and yet old-fashioned prayer; time alone communing with God has never changed! We move on, we become smarter and buy better toys and yet, is it possible that we spend less time with our Creator?
He has given us 24 hours a day and allowed us the choice to fill it, as we deem necessary. We must not forget, regardless of how many gadgets we acquire, it is our responsibility to carve out time to spend with Jesus! He is not lost in technology; we have simply allowed ourselves to be swept away with obligations and such.
King David put it this way my voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:3)
There is nothing like rising in the morning when the house is quiet and spending time with the Lord. I would like to challenge you to set your gadgets aside; leave the Palm pilot on your desk, turn off the cell phone and enter your prayer closet unencumbered by technology. Meditate on God’s Word and communicate with your Savior! I promise you, all the devices will be there when you come out, and your day will go a bit smoother.
Lord we are busy people. Life has swept us away and we’ve grown dependent on technology, yet as we read your Word we realize the importance of not squeezing you out of our day. Lord stir up a desire within us to reenter our prayer closets putting and to put all agendas aside. Help us Lord to know that in the midst of change you are still the same!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 9, 2007
Nothing is Too Difficult
Jeremiah 32:27 KJV
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
We are limited; our finances will only stretch so far; our bodies can only take so much. Friends and family will fail and we will fail friends and family! When we have reached the end of ourselves God is still able! When we are unfaithful He is faithful to the end.
Nothing is too difficult for God!
When the doctor has pronounced there is no hope, we know that God still reigns! When the bank has foreclosed on the house we know that God is our overseer! When the job has ended without warning and the bills are still coming in we proclaim today that God is still Jehovah-Jirah! He provides! He is our Banner, our Shield, our Strong Tower! He has never failed and He will never fail!
I proclaim today
NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR GOD!
Are you living through difficult times? Stand on the Word today! Proclaim that God is still God regardless of how everything around you looks, feels or sounds!
Jehovah God Almighty! Thank You for never changing! Thank You for always being present and faithful – even when we aren’t! Lord we proclaim today, in the midst of trials that You are God and You are our provider! Regardless of how things look we stand firm on the Word proclaiming NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR GOD!
© Jounda LaMance February 8, 2007
A Gentle Reminder
You are not a mistake:
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mothers womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalms 139:13-16
He knows every detail of your life and you are valuable:
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than the sparrows. Luke 12:1-7
Today, I want you to know that God loves you! Regardless of what has happened in your life, where you’ve been or what you’ve done – God loves you! While others cast you aside without second thought – God’s thoughts towards you are innumerable. (Psalms 139:17-18)
Perhaps you feel like you are broken in many pieces and there is no hope of ever amounting to anything. God is the Master Potter! He specializes in putting broken lives back together!
But God commandeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
He loves you more than you can ever imagine!
God, thank you for your love! Love that is beyond words or pictures! Love that endures and forgives! Love that rights the wrongs and sets our lives back on course! Thank you for loving us when everyone else has ceased loving!
In your Holy Name, AMEN
Voice of Praise
It was Thursday morning and something wasn’t right when I woke up! The house felt colder than usual and I had a bad feeling. Upon investigation I realized I’d made a mistake. I’d failed to check the meter on my propane tank and had run out of gas; thus there was no heat and it happened to be 6 degrees below zero outside, and felt about 20 below in my house.
There wasn’t anything to do except put on layers of clothing and wait for the propane company to open. For a moment I started to feel sorry for myself, then I was reminded of last winter when I didn’t have propane heat and the temp was 15 below. It was then that I met some people who were less fortunate than me. They lived in tarpaper shacks (or less) with out any source of heat.
This latest incident of running out of propane served as a reminder that I am truly blessed. Even as I sat here in my cold house waiting for my rescue I learned of another family who was in a similar situation, but they had no one coming to their rescue. They do not have anyone to put gas in their tank or fix their heater to ensure the kids have hot water and a warm house.
We have so much to be thankful for! Even when it seems we are at the bottom, there are others who have so much less. Today, regardless of what you are going through, I challenge you to look up and find a song of praise! Maybe you will have to sing it over and over and over again before you find your voice, but it is in this praise that you will find victory!
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. Psalms 107:22
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I Peter 2:9
Jehovah-Jirah, our Provider! Thank you for your many blessings! Lord, so often we get carried away with our selfishness and fail to recognize just how blessed we are! Open our eyes to your mighty hand at work in our lives! Help us to sing your praises today, regardless of how it looks all around us! Help us to sing until we find our voice of praise!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Free from the Past
Have you ever been reminded of mistakes you’ve made? Has someone ever pointed out your faults? Have you ever felt you would never be able to grow past who you were before you became a Christian because your past is your shadow?
I would like to encourage you today! David penned the words in Psalms 103:
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
The enemy of our souls loves to remind us of the horrible things we’ve done! He likes to tell us we can never amount to anything because of the past! He wants us to give up and never come to the full understanding of God’s mercy and grace! He knows that when we do fully understand just how much God loves us, then our past will never again hold us back!
I want to encourage you today ~ it doesn’t matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been – God’s mercy is very real! When we accept Jesus as our personal savior and repent of our sins, he removes them as far as the east is from the west!
Paul told us in Romans 8:1 There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus; when someone tries to remind you of the horrible things you’ve done, go back to the Word of God! Stand firm on His Word knowing that He has forgiven you!
Dear Lord, our prayer is from Psalms 103! Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth my mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
We Must Not Forget
Lamentations 3:22-23
It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
We are in need of mercy, not once in our life but daily!
Self-righteousness allows for a judgmental attitude!
Self-righteousness declares we are better than others or have arrived!
Self-righteousness announces we are not capable of failing!
We must recognize that moment-by-moment we are in need of a merciful, faithful God! When we begin to think we are beyond failing, perhaps we have already failed! When we begin to think ourselves better than the person next to us (perhaps because we have attended church for 20 years or a standing member of your local church, or know the Bible by memory) then we have already failed!
It is only the grace of God that has carried us to this very moment!
It is only the grace of God that we are not in crack house out of our mind on drugs!
It is only the grace of God that we are not selling our bodies on the street corner.
It is only the grace of God that we are not bound by homosexuality.
It is only the grace of God that we are not bound by the chains of alcoholism!
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. I Corinthians 10:12 AMP
When the tendency to look down on those around us raises it’s ugly head, remember it is God’s mercy and grace that carries us!
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Psalms 73:6
Lord God Almighty, your tender mercy and longsuffering is beyond words! Thank you for not giving up on us – as we tend to give up on those around us! Thank you for not throwing in the towel – as we tend to do to those who have hurt us! Open the eyes of our hearts so that we may see it is your tender mercy and awesome grace that has given us our life!
© Jounda LaMance February 4, 2007
I’m Not Deaf
Yesterday I caught myself talking loudly to a customer when I suddenly realized I had made a big mistake. The customer wasn’t hard of hearing, he simply spoke a different language, but for some reason I was acting as if the language barrier meant he couldn’t hear me.
As Christians I believe we’ve done this all to often. We’ve screamed the truth of the Word loudly to those around us as if they were deaf when in reality they simply were speaking a different language! We also tend to speak loudly to those who say they are “Christians’ but belong to a different denomination or believe things a little differently. This often makes it difficult to communicate so we talk loudly when in reality they aren’t deaf; they just speak a different language.
As I was dealing with this customer and lowered my voice, we finally figured out a way to communicate and I was able to give him what he’d come in for.
As Christians God’s love is universal! He speaks in every known language! We don’t have to scream at those who don’t yet believe – they are not deaf, they just speak a different language than we do, so we must simply allow God’s love to break down the barriers in our human form of communication.
We must step outside of ourselves and understand that God doesn’t need our intellect He can reach through what seems impassible walls and His love becomes the universal language.
In Luke we read a conversation that had taken place between John and Jesus. John had witnessed someone casting out devils in the name of Jesus but when asked to follow the disciples he refused. They forbade him to cast out devils simply because he didn’t follow their path. Jesus told him, forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
We must be careful ~ God’s love is universal! It speaks all languages! Our finite proverbial boxes are what creates many communication barriers. We will find ourselves raising our voices when all we needed was the love of God to speak for us!
Lord, thank you for your love! Love that fills in the gaps when our human wisdom only breaks down our ability to communicate! Help us to live out your love rather than screaming! Break down the walls of our proverbial boxes so that we can be a conduit of your love and mercy!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
Scripture take from Luke 9: 49-50
© Jounda LaMance February 3, 2007
Come and Go With Me
Yesterday I heard one of my favorite songs on the radio by Audio Adrenaline, ‘Big House.’ Perhaps it’s the music or the beat or maybe the words, but this song is so fun!
As I danced around with the music and felt the excitement I began to think about inviting others to our Father’s house.
Do you live in such a way that others want what you have? Now, stop right there, I don’t mean materially (the new car or big house); I mean are you excited about being a disciple of Christ? Is your life an example of someone who was once sentenced to death but has been set free? Are you excited? Are you a worshipper? Do you talk about God as if He has given you something to shout about?
If we aren’t careful we tend to walk around as if we’ve been beaten. Life seems to roll over on us, and the next thing you know we’re down cast, sad, bitter people who wear the label of Christians.
On the other hand you could take on the attitude that you’ve arrived and walk around with a ‘holier-than-thou’ demeanor and wield your sword of condemnation, looking down on those that haven’t yet arrived and casting judgment on those who live in sin.
There has to be a happy medium, a balance! Think about it, do you want to follow someone who is miserable and sad? Do you want to follow someone who is judgmental and always pointing out the faults of those they come in contact with? No, we are more likely to follow someone who is excited about where they are going!
If you have been redeemed! If you have been set free! If you have once wore the shackles of bondage and felt them fall off – then you have a reason to be excited! If you know heaven awaits you – then you have a reason to be excited!
When I was growing up we sang a song called Joy Unspeakable! We danced up and down the isles and felt the excitement, but I think all too often we walked out the door and replaced our garments of praise with mourning clothes!
If we want people to be excited about our God, should we not show some excitement on our part? If we want people to follow us, should we not live out a life that makes them want what we have?
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:7-9
Come and go with meto my Fathers houseCome and go with meto my Fathers house It's a big big housewith lots and lots a roomA big big tablewith lots and lots of foodA big big yardwhere we can play footballA big big houseIts my Fathers house
Jesus, thank you for redemption! Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice made on Calvary! Thank you for setting us free and opening prison doors! Thank you for giving sight to our blind eyes and giving us a glimpse of what is to come! Lord, we want to live in such a way that people see you in and through our lives! Help us to be worshippers even when the fiery trials arise!
In Your mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance February 2, 2007
Do You Motivate Others in a Positive Way?
Yesterday I had an opportunity to sit and talk with one of my employees. I felt it was important to let her know I had noticed the complete turn around in her attitude and thus her work. You see when I took this position this lady didn’t seem to enjoy her job. She never smiled, she grumbled, she balked at having to learn new things and often came to work smelling of alcohol. Today, she has a bounce in her step, has stretched her boundaries and learning new things everyday; she smiles and even laughs and it’s been a while since I’ve smelled alcohol.
I was pointing these things out and telling her how proud I am and that I can see so much excitement when she walks in the door! Then I asked her what she felt happened to bring about these changes and she said, “you’ve motivated me and I look forward to coming to work. It’s no longer just a job.”
My question today is, do you motivate others in a positive way? This could be your children, spouse, co-workers, employees or anyone you are in close proximity to. If you are a leader (which you are if you are a parent or married) then you have an opportunity to motivate people – the question is, is it in a positive way?
I’ve had teachers, bosses and many others in my life, that although they may have had good intentions, they did not inspire positive motivation. They were quick to ridicule, judge, put me down or make fun. Do you know anyone like this? Do you know anyone that can only find your errors and mistakes and will tell you given the opportunity?
Do you only see the negative in people?
Do you point out others problems, mistakes and sins?
Jesus dealt with this when the religious men caught the lady in adultery and brought her to his feet. He could have condemned her. He could have pointed out all the ugliness! He could have lectured her for hours about the error of her ways, but He didn’t! Take a look at how He motivated her:
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
The scripture doesn’t tell us what the lady did afterwards, but I can imagine her life was changed! I can imagine there was a new spring in her step and a motivation to do things different. What if the Messiah had said to her, ‘girl you are a mess, when are things going to change? You embarrass me. What will people think?’
Of course our Redeemer is tender even in His correction! We could learn a great deal by following His example!
Jesus, even as we read this passage of scripture we recognize we too have been drug to your feet and accused! We have been adulterous people and if not for your tender mercies we would not be here today! Help us to remember, as we deal with those around us, that your mercy is new and fresh every morning. We want to touch those around us with your love and lead them to the cross so that they too may come to know the full effect of your tender mercy!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Scripture taken from KJV John 8:3-11
Child-Like Compassion
This past weekend I went out to eat with my family. We noticed our waitress appeared very tired while my grandson picked up on the bruise she wore on her upper arm. When she brought our food, I heard him ask, ‘does your arm hurt?’ The tired little lady explained to him that it was not so bad. Then before anyone could say anything, he reached up and said, “I will pray for you.” Gently he touched the bruise and said, ‘Dear Jesus please touch this ladies arm and help it not to hurt amen.” The lady walked away with a new smile and I believe she probably had a better day after that little experience.
What if we had compassion like a child? What if we didn’t simply see a tired person, but could see the bruises as well? What if we reached out with child-like gentleness?
As we grow we lose that child-like innocence where there is no grey but only black and white. We look at those around us through eyes of judgment and fear those we don’t understand or do not fit into our copasetic world. We tend to reach out when we will be receiving in return and yet, it is the child-like compassion that we should groom.
The adults at our table was focused on eating and the days events, the child at the table noticed the bruise of a stranger. The adults didn’t reach out, the child offered gentle compassion and a prayer!
When Jesus was walking the earth children had been brought to him and the disciples didn’t like this one bit. Children seem to disrupt plans, yet Jesus welcomed their presence. He wasn’t the least bit happy about his disciples attitude and went on to tell them, “suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of heaven. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” (Mark 10:13-15)
We grow and pride ourselves in our maturity and in the process lose the child-like compassion, love and forgiving heart. Let’s look past ourselves today, and notice those around us in a child-like way!
Jesus of Nazareth, thank you for your tender mercy! Thank you for using a child when the adults were too busy! Help us Lord to be attentive to those around us and have child-like compassion on those who are bruised!
© Jounda LaMance January 31, 2007
Waiting Gracefully
Graceful: displaying grace in form or action: pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement
Yesterday I leave work just in time to make a run to the insurance office. I had a couple other errands to run and thought I’d get in and out so I’d get everything done before five. It might have all worked as planned but the computers were down and now I had to sit and wait.
Has this ever happened to you? You have so much to do and now you are put in a position to wait and the clock ticks away and you can’t help but wonder how you will get it all done? As I sat there listening to the chatter in the office I wrestled with being graceful or being ticked. The good side said smile and be patient, the bad side said, why couldn’t they have fixed these computers before I arrived.
Reality is, we are human and the ugliness of our nature will raise its head when given the opportunity. How we let it play out is what’s important. We can’t pick and choose where we will be nice, polite or compassionate. We must be consistent with everyone we meet, everywhere we go!
As the words waiting gracefully danced around in my head, I began to understand the implication of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don’t know these agents, but it is important that I reflect Christ in my waiting! There were other people in the ‘waiting’ area, and even though I wasn’t going to stand up and preach a sermon, my waiting gracefully was a message in itself.
Paul said it like this: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
We all find ourselves in a position of waiting. We wait in daily routines; we wait for our children to be saved; we wait for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Whatever the situation you may find yourself waiting in, do it gracefully! Practice love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith meekness and temperance.
If you happen to be like me, it doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes we have to refocus and realize there is so much more to God’s plan than our 24-hour period. Sometimes we have to apologize for our actions, and we must always keep in mind we may be the only Bible some people will ever read! We have been commissioned to be His witnesses on this earth. That is in every situation!
Jesus of Nazareth we are so busy and we get so caught up in our daily activities before we know it, it becomes about us and what we want and when we want it! Yet, when we stop and ‘wait’ on you, it is so easy to see that our time is not your time. Lord, as we go out into our world today, help us to reflect you in everything we say and do. We want to be hidden so that you can be seen!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 30, 2007
Walkin’ In the Mud
This year, the portion of desert I live in has received more snowfall than it has since the 50’s. Look any direction and you will see snow covering the ground, except where the sun reaches – there you will see MUD, which happens to be in my driveway, which leads to my house! In order for me to get from point A to point B, I must walk in mud. There is no avoiding it (I tried). The good news is we could still get more snow before winter ends.
I say this is good news because we need the moisture! Our lake is down to 14’ and it has been very difficult to garden in the last few years. There is a great anticipation that come spring we will see a major difference in our vegetation and water supply! Getting to that point we must endure mud. I’ve learned to adapt by wearing boots so when I sink to my ankles only my boots are covered. I’ve also learned to step a little lighter in places so I don’t sink to my knees.
It is often easier to deal with things when we know there is a positive end result coming our way. For instance, if you were told your job was ending it would be easier to deal with if you knew God had a better job waiting for you! If we understood the end result we might be willing to walk through a little mud without complaint.
God doesn’t always show us the end result! In many situations we simply have to TRUST that He knows what He is doing! When my daughter was in the drug life God promised me she’d be delivered. There was a lot of mud from point A to point B, and I had to depend heavily on the WORD of God to just get through some days! Nevertheless, He didn’t fail! His Word was TRUE!
Whatever you are going through today, know that God hasn’t forgotten! It may seem the mud will never go away! It may seem there is no way out! Yet, the end result will be worth it all!
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day. II Timothy 1:12
Dear God, we don’t always understand what we have to endure, especially when we are walking in mud to our knees, but we put our trust in You – knowing that You have never failed us; You have never left us and You have a plan!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
What Shall We Then Say to These Things?
“If there is no struggle there is no progress.”
– Fredrick Douglas
I had to laugh when I read this quote; you see the day had been filled with one struggle after another. It had turned out to be one of those days when I think I would’ve been better off under the bed. Ever had one of those? You know, the kind I’m speaking of; it appears it’s going to be a fabulous day, and then you get out of bed and it all goes haywire!
Yesterday was one of those days that turned out to be filled with one adventure after another, by 10:00 PM when the phone rang I found myself saying, ‘now what?’ My expectation level was high, but even in the midst of the fiasco (called Saturday) I understood everything was going to be okay!
You see the day was filled with events and there would‘ve been a time I would’ve just collapsed under the weight of the excitement (please pardon my sarcasm) but at some level there was an understanding, that come what may, I will not be defeated! Regardless of the news, regardless of the problems we are making progress!
Paul said it like this in Romans 8:31, 35-39
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now you may be wondering how can you feel you’re making progress when everything seems to be going against you; let me explain. When you can stand in not fall; when you can sing a song of praise; when you can dance and not stomp (like in a temper tantrum) you are making progress! There will be days filled with adversity, but what then shall we say to these things? Will we curse the day we were born? Will we curse the carrier of bad news? Will we throw our hands up and quit?
NO! We stand in the face of adversity and proclaim as Paul - I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Lord, thank You for strength and wisdom! Thank You for being present even in the midst of trouble! So many are facing adversity – every direction they turn; Lord we stand together in agreement, as brothers and sisters proclaiming WHAT THEN SHALL WE SAY TO THESE THINGS? NOTHING SHALL SEPARATE US FROM YOUR LOVE!
IN YOUR MIGHTY AND HOLY NAME, AMEN!
Kindness takes Effort
Years ago I worked in a restaurant and met many people. A few of these people were miserable. By that I mean, they were hateful; never smiled; their order was never right and it didn’t matter what I did, these regulars always complained about something.
Five days a week I faced these people. I was the new kid on the block, so the other waitress always seemed to get busy just about the time they walked in. I had two choices, make these people smile or treat them like they treated me. So, they became my project. I practiced kindness! Let me tell you, it took great effort on my part, because there were many times (until I broke through the hard exterior) that I wanted to treat them badly!
My effort had a positive outcome! Everyone in the restaurant noticed the difference in these customers. They would offer up a laugh and they would smile! They began enjoying lunch and complaining less. They would stay longer for an extra cup of coffee!
You see, I could’ve written these cranky people off! They didn’t treat me with respect when I first met them; so it would’ve been easy to put them in the category of ‘no hope.’ I don’t know the background of these people, we never really went into that territory, nor do I know what’s happened to them in the last 20 years, but I do know by making an effort to be kind (in a very difficult situation) these people found their smiles again.
We’ve all encountered these people; you know the ones with a permanent frown and nothing nice to say, and sometimes it takes great effort on our part to not bite back! Yet, the Jesus in us can make a difference! I don’t mean quoting them scripture and preaching them a sermon, I mean simply offering a smile and a kind word! Let Jesus shine in your reactions to those around us who appear so miserable.
It’s not enough to tell someone if they had Jesus in their life they would have a better attitude. It’s not enough to quote them scripture and tell them how Jesus can make a difference! We must reflect Christ! We must live it out through our smiles, words and actions! There will be those that you won’t see an immediate change, but that shouldn’t stop us from living out kindness!
Sometimes it is easy to be kind because we are receiving kindness in return, but it takes effort to be kind to those who do not give back!
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. II Peter 1:5-8
Dear Jesus thank You for living out the perfect example of kindness! Help us Lord to be a reflection of You! Lord we want to be fruitful! We want to reach out with kindness and love to those who do not know You!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 27, 2007
You Can Be A Winner!
Have you ever seen this headline? Promises made by people you don’t know! Promises for a better future! Follow the instructions, and you too can be a winner! You can succeed in a chain reaction of winning! If you listen to society, you simply must follow the guidelines and you can be a winner! There are no losers in this game of life!
Yet, the harsh reality is, not everyone wins and in every game of dice someone is a loser!
Unless of course you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior!
This is an absolute!
You may be considered a loser in life! You may have been told you are a loser and will amount to nothing, but there is One who makes winners out of losers! There is one who promises eternal life!
It all hinges on what you want to win!
Is it momentary success, the feel good stuff? How about life eternal with the King?
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:15
If you’ve felt bad because you just can’t seem to win in this game of life; everyone around you is succeeding, but you still feel like a loser – there is hope! You can be a winner today!
The world promises instant gratification, but the absolute truth is what the world promises will pass away.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:3-4
Oh God, while the world promises fame and fortune, You have promised eternal life! So many have been told they are losers and will never amount to anything – Lord, we ask for a special touch on their lives! Thank You for Your Word and Your promise of eternal life, where there will be no more tears and sorrow!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 26, 2007
Preparing for the Walk
Every three months the owner of the company visits our store. We are given a calendar showing the times throughout the year that we can expect him. Even though we are made aware of the dates, we do not begin preparation until a few days before his visit!
A few hours ago, as I was on my hands and knees scrubbing a corner that I was quite sure hadn’t been cleaned in years, I wondered why we would wait until hours before the arrival to clean out the dirt? Yet, we did and we do!
We tend to put off until tomorrow what we could do today. Everyone’s logic is different, but as a professional procrastinator, I tend to believe I will have more time to deal with the corners tomorrow! The harsh reality is, by the time I actually get to the corners the dirt has so compounded that it takes a steel brush and hours of labor to make it clean again!
I believe we often do this in our relationship with God; we know Jesus is returning, but we’ll get serious about it tomorrow. We know we don’t have the promise of another day, but still we will forgive and love our neighbor tomorrow. The foolish virgins had the same thought in mind. Perhaps they decided, they’d buy oil tomorrow, but it was during that space of time, when they put off filling their lamps that they were caught off guard!
There are people we need to love today! There are people we need to forgive today! Tomorrow may just be too late! Don’t put off studying the Word and praying until tomorrow. We don’t have the promise that we will see another sunrise!
Whereas ye know not what shall be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14
For all flesh is as grass, and all glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. I Peter 1:24
Dear Lord, even though you gave us so many lessons on not waiting until tomorrow, we still do! Forgive us Lord for our complacency and procrastination. Help us to love those around us today! Help us to seek forgiveness today!
In Jesus Name we pray, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 25, 2007
The Report of the Lord
Isaiah 53:1
Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Recently a dear friend of mine went to the hospital for surgery. The surgeon came in to inform her that the report had changed. Things looked much worse than what they expected. She told me that even as he explained the details of the ‘report,’ she heard the words to the song going through her mind, ‘whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord! The surgeon ran more tests, but the outcome was the original report had been wrong!
Perhaps you are facing a similar situation! Often times the reports we hear have the potential to shatter our worlds! Yet, I ask you today, whose report will you believe?
The enemy wants to destroy you! The enemy wants to convince you that ‘it’s all bad’! Your world is shattering, just look around you! Nothing good can come from this! Have you heard any of these reports lately? Your child is out of control; your husband is leaving; your job is ending!
In the midst of the ‘bad’ reports – we have another! We have the report of the Lord!
Romans 8:28-39
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Lord we thank You that even as the reports are read; even though they have potential to shatter our worlds – WE WILL STAND ON THE REPORT OF THE LORD! IF GOD BEFORE US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? We proclaim victory today – in spite of what we hear, see or feel!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Jesus Sees
Luke 13:10-13
And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
And, behold, there was a woman, which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
There are other stories in the Bible where we are told the sick cried out to Jesus, or others simply wanted to be touched, while still others simply touched the hem of his garment. Some were carried in and placed at His feet. Fathers have traveled for miles because of a sick child. Yet, in this passage of scripture we read this lady had simply gone to the synagogue on the Sabbath.
She did not make an appeal.
She did not stand in a prayer line.
She was one more person in a crowd.
She was another example of an unnoticeable!
Nevertheless, Jesus saw her!
Jesus called her from the crowd!
Jesus spoke the words, Woman; thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
Jesus touched her!
You may feel lost in the crowd, but JESUS sees right where you are!
You may feel like you are just another person in a crowd, nevertheless, JESUS SEES!
Jesus thank You for looking down and seeing what we can’t! Thank You for noticing the unnoticeable! Thank You for Your love and compassion that heals a lifetime of infirmities! Lord, there are those who are carrying a heavy weight and it seems they have not been noticed. Lord, somehow let them know, at this very moment, that You see – that You know right where they are!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 23, 2007
The Table of Sinners
Matthew 9:9-13
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
It is in the midst of sinners we do not want to be. Many steer clear at all cost! To be seen with certain classes of people would ruin your reputation and cause people to talk yet in this passage we see Jesus choosing a disciple from an unlikely organization and having dinner with ‘sinners and publicans.’
Yes, the roar started and the religious had something to say! How could this man choose to eat with these people? How could he select His following from a corrupt office?
It isn’t much different today. Many Christians will seclude themselves away from those who appear unclean – the untouchables! In our righteousness do we fear being tarnished by their sin?
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
We must be careful not to fall into the Pharisee mindset of secluding the sinner. Jesus said, for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance; so where does this leave us? Should we not be reaching out to those around us with love and compassion? Should we not be reaching out to the sick, the untouchables?
We like to name sin, and point out the tarnished part of lives. We like to classify those around us and often treat them with an indignant attitude, as if we have arrived! As I read this passage of scripture I do not see where Jesus was naming their sin. No, I do not read where Jesus was pointing out the ugly part of their lives. I do read where the religious people of the day made a point of classifying the people, naming them ‘sinners and publicans,’ and it was to these people Jesus spoke: But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance!
Lord, again we thank You for loving us enough to come to this earth and pay the price for redemption! You found us at the table of sinners and You didn’t walk away, but rather drew us in! Forgive us Lord for believing we are any better than the man at the table of collections, and help us Lord to see those around us just as You do! Help us Lord to reach out with love and compassion – just as You reached out to us; so that we may lead people to the cross – where the price has already been paid!
We humbly pray, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 22, 2007
The Emergency Exit
To have the seat by the emergency exit comes with a cost. NO, you don’t have to pay extra for this seat, like you would if you were in 1st class, but you have to be willing to help others. The attendants will ask you before the plane leaves the ground if you are willing to assist other passengers in case of emergency, and it is at that point you have an opportunity to move.
As Christians we must count the cost. We must seriously evaluate if we are willing to pay the price of sitting by the emergency exit. On an airplane this means you will have to put selfish intent aside and put others first. You may be the last one off the plane, rather than the first, in a life-threatening situation.
John 15:12-14
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
All too often I believe we choose ‘not’ to sit in the emergency exit, preferring to let someone else have the detail. We give little to no concern to those around us, knowing someone else will pick up the slack.
Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. This is the love in which Christ has loved us! Labeling ourselves Christians or Christ followers means that we are willing to sit in the emergency exit and help others! We are willing to let someone go first! We are willing to go last! Putting all selfishness aside and putting someone else’s best interest first! Love in the highest degree, which is as strong as death!
Many will tell you that this is not a requirement today, but I ask you to look at the missionaries in foreign countries who, moment by moment, risk their very lives for others!
What are you doing today? Are you reaching out with love? Are you willing to sit in the emergency exit? Are you willing to lay down your life for a friend?
Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Romans 12:10 (AMP)
Jesus, thank You for the perfect example of love! You gave Your life in the ultimate sacrifice for those who would curse You and later deny You. You could have spoke the Word and never had to endure the cross, yet You didn’t! You lived out what You spoke! You put all selfishness aside and paid the price! Lord, help us to live out Your example everyday! Help us to love our brothers, sisters, friends, and those who are not very lovable!
In Your Name we pray, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 21, 2007
Turbulence
The plane left the runway and should’ve floated smoothly, but the turbulent air caused it to thrash. The seams squeaked as if needing oil, and I couldn’t help but wonder how much pressure they could withstand before splitting in two. I’d flown in bad weather before, but this flight, 15 minutes long, had already proven to be the roughest yet.
I looked around me and noticed many with a white-knuckled grip on the armrest, while others muttered curses with every 1000-foot drop from space. The metal bronco bull that we had paid to ride in was proving to have no compassion on its riders.
An elderly man beside me wept. I learned this was the first time he’d ever flown and with deep conviction, he swore he’d never fly again if he lived through this ordeal. The attendant shuffled up and down the isle passing out alcohol to everyone willing to pay the fee. The lady beside me explained the 3rd beer would ease her nerves.
“We are experiencing turbulence, the fasten your seatbelt light has been turned on for your safety.” I chuckled at this announcement, wondering if the pilots somehow thought we didn’t know we were in the midst of a storm, and that walking through the plane was not an option.
As I looked out the window, keeping a close eye on the wing (as if I would be able to do something if it suddenly tore apart), and I thought about the storms of life I have endured. There were many in which I cried out for deliverance, cause I wasn’t sure I could take much more. Then there were the storms in which I understood, and as everything seemed to fall apart around me, I was able to ride through knowing with certainty that I was on eagle’s wings.
There is a place we can abide in which we know with certainty that God is in control! There is a place in the midst of the storm where we can ride where we know with absolute certainty that come what may, we are in the palm of His hands! The winds may blow, the storms may rage, but our creator is the Master of the universe!
He has promised to be with us! He never promised a turbulent free flight, but rather a presence so intense the storm does not shake us!
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.
Dear God thank You for being present in the midst of the raging storms! When they feel as if they will overtake us, You are there! Thank You for Your Word that encourages us and keeps us! As King David penned, HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. Thank You Lord!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 20, 2007
Scripture taken from The Amplified Version
I Already Know!
Although I have not flown as much as some, I’ve flown enough to know the mantra. You know, the nice little speech the attendant gives explaining where the emergency exits are etc. I’ve heard this speech plenty of times in my life, and I noticed this past weekend that I really didn’t listen. I continued on reading my book and once even looked at my watch to see how soon we’d be taking off.
On my next flight when the attendant was going through the mantra, I happened to notice no one was paying attention (at least that was my perspective). Everyone was reading, or doing puzzles or finishing up the last minute business on their laptop before the pilot gave the order to shut them down. I looked down the isle at the attendant and I wondered if it bothered him that no one seemed to care where the emergency exit was.
Then I began to listen. Even though I’d heard it all before, I stopped and look at where I was positioned and where the exit doors were, just in case. I also began to realize that I knew there was a life saving device beneath me, but honestly I wasn’t sure if it was something I pulled off, or would have to unbuckle etc.
Of course my mind began to formulate all of this information and I began to think about our walk with Christ. When we go to church do you really listen to what the man or woman of God is saying? When we pray, do we take time to listen to what God would like to say or do we simply behave as though we have arrived on some level of maturity and already know the answers, having flown this path before.
We must be careful! Although we may have flown 1000’s of times, there may come a moment when we need to utilize the safety device in which we sit on. It would be to our best interest to know how to remove it.
As Christians, we must be careful not to feel like we already know all the answers. We must be careful to not tune out the voice of God. We must have ears to hear and guard ourselves against thinking we already know all there is to know!
The Word of God is alive and fresh and new every morning! He wants to show us things we’ve never seen before, but we must be willing to listen and be teachable! We must be hungry for His Word, be it in our prayer closet or in our corporate worship! We need to fine-tune our listening skills so we can hear the voice of God!
This past weekend as I listened to my brother preach, he used a familiar text one I grew up hearing. I could’ve tuned him out, but in the midst of the sermon the Lord opened my eyes to something fresh and new for the moment! I came home a different person!
We must guard ourselves against thinking we’ve arrived and have all the answers, and no longer need to listen.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: I Peter 2:2
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.
II Peter 1:6
Jesus thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the Word of God that is new and fresh every morning! Thank You for the Word of God that brings life! Help us Lord to have ears that will hear! We don’t want to walk around with the attitude that ‘we already know better than anyone.’ We want to be open and receptive to what You want to teach us through Your WORD!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 19, 2007
Follow Me
Matthew 4:18-20
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Jesus could have picked His men at Herod’s court or amongst the chief priest in Jerusalem, but instead, He chose these two at Galilee. Which happened to be a remote part of the nation and the people were less refined. To the educated, they seemed a bit uncouth. These men had failed the test to become rabbis, and were no doubt poor men. Rich men of that day did not choose fishing for a trade.
If you ever get to thinking that God can’t use you because of where you came from or what you’ve done, now is the time to see that God often chooses the less fortunate to make a difference. Jesus could have picked scholars that knew the law, but He didn’t. He used ordinary men, not once, but over and over again to bring the Gospel to the world! It is no different today!
He is looking for men and women who will step out of their comfort zones and answer His call. Look around; there are people who need to hear about Jesus! Everywhere you go you have an opportunity to live out the love of Christ! The Gospel of Jesus must not be kept inside our four walls but it must go out! The love of Christ must not be kept in a box, we have been called to be fishers of men, and in so doing that means we spread His love everywhere we go!
Do you label yourself a Christian? Are you a fisher of men? Perhaps you’ve always thought bringing in the lost is the preacher’s job. Perhaps you’ve always thought if you go to church n Sunday you’ve met your requirements. Perhaps you’ve thought you are not qualified to fish for men or maybe you’ve felt inadequate. Read through the scriptures and you will see examples of men and women who were called out of the ordinary to do something extraordinary!
Does this mean we take up residence on a street corner and yell through a bullhorn the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Only if that is what God tells you to do! Fishing for men starts with LOVE! Fishing for men requires compassion! Fishing for men demands that we do not judge others by what we see, but rather LOVE others as we love ourselves!
Jesus of Nazareth! We hear Your call and we want to follow You! Help us Lord to see the mission field where we live! Help us Lord to see those around us as you see them! Help us Lord to reach out with LOVE and COMPASSION for those who would otherwise be cast to the side! We want to be fishers of men!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 18, 2007
Why Are You A Christian?
Today I would like to ask the question, why are you a Christian? What is your purpose? What is your intent?
Perhaps you may think this blunt, but lately I’ve been pondering this question. Not asking is the alternative better, but rather, why do I label myself a Christian? Is there a purpose behind serving God and if so, what is it?
I’ll be honest; selfishness has played a big part for too long. You know the phrase, what’s in it for me? Well Heaven of course! Getting to the pearly gates and dancing on streets of gold! But shouldn’t there be so much more?
We live in the real world with Heaven as our goal, but isn’t there something more to being a Christian? Isn’t there something we are supposed to be doing here on earth?
Is it enough to simply go to church on Sundays?
Is it enough to tell everybody you’re a Christian?
Are we reaching the lost?
Are we reaching out with love and compassion?
Are we making a positive difference on those around us?
All of these questions are meant to gently nudge you into thinking about your walk with Christ. Only you and God know where you stand. I’m not asking for you to email me with your answers, but rather search your heart and determine what your motive is.
This question has caused me to look outside my four walls, to look past myself and recognize there are many who need to see, feel and come to know the love of Jesus! They may not attend my church, so I must be the church! I must show them Jesus through my actions, words and deeds! I must lead them to the cross and I may have only one opportunity to introduce them to Jesus, because I may never see them again.
So, I ask you again, why are you a Christian?
Jesus You are the perfect example of walking out love! We ask that You search our hearts and reveal any complacency. Open our eyes to those around us that need to see Your love in action! Help us Lord to reach out to those around us with love.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Further reading: James 1:27; James 2; Mark 16:15-18; John 24:47
© Jounda LaMance January 17, 2007
Will you build A Boat?
Genesis 6:12-14 NKJV
So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch.
Matthew 24: 37-39 The Message
"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.
Can you imagine if God spoke to you or I and told us to build an ark, and what those around us would say if you took on the task? Noah must have been the laughing stock of the community, just as you or I would be if we started building a massive boat in our front yard.
Noah was given a strange task, but look at verse 22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. The scripture does not reveal that Noah took weeks to think about it nor does it say that he fleeced God to be sure he was hearing correctly. From verse 13-21 God gives instruction and Noah obeyed, and from the human point of view, his task would appear to be impossible. For those who were not walking with God, would simply think the man had fallen off his rocker. Yet, Noah obeyed!
Have you ever had people make fun of you because you’ve taken a stand for Christ? Have you ever had people question your sanity because you did not waiver from the truth?
I believe God is asking us to build an ark today! No, I haven’t heard Him say build a real boat out of gopher wood, but are we not living in a perverse world, where the Name of Jesus is considered profanity by many? It is here in this world of darkness that we’ve been placed! It is our boat building platform, one in which the Light of Jesus shines forth and draws people to the cross!
Could we be called modern day Noah’s? Perhaps, if we are following the voice of God, living out the fruits of the Spirit and allowing Jesus to be the focal point of our lives! We may not save the world, but those that cross our path have an opportunity to be touched by Christ! We will be watched, just as Noah was. Many will laugh, because we’ve chosen a path of righteousness, but we continue on! We hold fast to Truth and we love in spite of hate! That is ark building my friends.
Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
We have been commissioned! It may not be the most popular job or the most favorable, but still our responsibility! The world around us is worsening and it is only the longsuffering of God that has kept us to this day.
Matthew 24: 37-39 The Message
"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away.
Will you build a boat? Will you tell people about the Ark of safety? Will you stand for truth when truth is no longer a moral objective?
Heavenly Father of tender mercies, today we want to say thank You for Your longsuffering! We have so much work to do and in all honesty, we’ve been slack, forgive us Father! We want to be obedient and do whatever it takes to win those around us! Help us to be sensitive to Your voice and Your call!
In Jesus Name we pray, AMEN
© Jounda LaMance January 9, 2006
Please Pass the Ketch-Up
A strange thing has happened. I’ve stepped to the other side and now understand with clarity why things happened the way they did. It was an eye-opener for me and the way I think has changed!
You see, I use to be one of those!
In times past, when I’ve visited fast food restaurants and ordered French Fries, I would get very frustrated when I have to ask for ketch-up and then (for a super-sized order) would only get one package. Now, to me this didn’t make much sense and was very irritated when I had to practically beg for more.
Now, I am on the other side and responsible for ordering the little packets of ketch-up. Not only do I have to order them, but have to stay within my budget (that’s right, there is a budget for ketch-up). I am now the person behind the counter who hands out ketch-up, one package at time.
So what is the lesson? In times past I came to a conclusion and would get a bad attitude without knowing or even thinking about why they did what they did. Ever done something like this before? I’m now on the other side of the counter and have a better understanding ~ those little ketch-up packages are expensive!
This can be applied to people, situations or events. We are quick to assume (or judge). Many have taken on the role of ‘fruit inspectors,’ and take on the responsibility to shake the bad fruit off the tree, but we must be careful! Although we may be quick to point out the bad fruit, are we willing to step over in their shoes? We may have an eye opening experience if we do!
We see in part, God sees the depth of the heart!
Sometimes it takes stepping behind the counter or getting to know someone a little better before we completely understand.
Matthew 7:1-5
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Dear God, thank You for your longsuffering towards us! Thank You for not giving up on us as quickly as we give up on others. Lord, we tend to look at the surface of situations and the outward appearance of those around us, and draw conclusions, and yet we know that only You can see the depth of the heart! Lord, help us to be like You – even in the things that seem small and insignificant. In Your Name, AMEN!
Our Provider
Psalms 73:3
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
These words were penned by Asaph, but could have very well been written by me! There’ve been times when I looked around and questioned why the wicked seemed to prosper in everything they do, while the righteous seem to just get by.
Perhaps you’ve been there as well, the budget is out the window, food is scarce; the collectors continue to call and the paycheck is gone before you can get it to the bank. You look around and your neighbor is buying new boats, and off for a second vacation. The smoke from their BBQ drifts into your yard and you wonder, perhaps even question God as to why it always has to be so hard on this side of the fence.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know God has never failed me! What about you?
Yesterday, the question as asked, ‘how come those who openly curse God seem to have everything and want for nothing?’ I wasn’t shocked by the question, because it’s been mine in the past. I explained the riches in eternity far outweigh the riches here on earth.
Asaph must have felt the same thing. He goes as far to say he was envious, and before we ridicule this, step back for a moment and search your heart. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem fair! Sometimes you can’t help but wonder if God has forgotten where you are!
Let me assure you today, God knows exactly where you are and He knows exactly what you need. While the wicked may prosper, it is but for a moment! If they do not turn their hearts to God their riches will mock them through eternity!
I know the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. (Psalms 140:12)
Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider! We sing that Your grace is sufficient for me, yet there are moments when we become envious of those around us who seem to prosper with no regards to You. Forgive us for looking to the things of this world, and help us Lord to stay focused on You! Help us Lord to recognize that You and You alone are our Provider! Help us Lord to know that You will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor! Thank You for supplying all of our needs! In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 9, 2007
A Pile of Junk or a Work of Art?
I have a friend who can take a rusted piece of metal and turn it into a work of art! She and I can look at a pile of junk, and while I see just that, she sees art!
I wonder how many times we have looked at people around us and in our lives and seen junk? Rusted, broken down, worn out junk headed for the landfill! The alcoholic who was left on the side of the road, covered in blood and his own vomit; he’s just a drunk! What about the addict, who lives for the next fix and has chosen drugs over her child? What about the 15-year-old who sells her body?
We’ve all come face to face with at least one person who appears to have nothing to live for. We’ve all been guilty of writing someone off because all we could see was a rusted life. As I toss the junk aside someone comes along and sees a masterpiece. Carefully the pieces are collected and before you know it art has been created!
God is quite the artist! He looks into, what we’ve considered junk, and gathers pieces together until a masterpiece is formed! When we give up, He steps in and creates a work of art out of what we considered worthless! He doesn’t give up, regardless how used and broken it appears! He doesn’t toss us to the side, but rather works with compassion and gentleness to put the pieces back together!
While we see an addict, God sees a masterpiece!
While we see a prostitute, God sees a work of art!
If we are honest, we will remember the day when we were found and put back together! For me it wasn’t a pretty sight, and many had given up, but God saw something and put the pieces back together!
When we look at those around us, we see only in part! God knows from the beginning to the end! Let’s be careful what we call junk ~ we may be looking at a masterpiece!
Psalms 139:13-18
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
God Almighty! Thank You for not giving up and tossing us aside! Thank You for picking up the pieces of our lives and creating a masterpiece! While others gave up on us, You remained faithful because You understood behind the rusted façades were something more! Lord, open our eyes to those around us! Help us to see the alcoholic, drug addict and prostitute as you see them! Help us to reach out with Your love and compassion! In Your Name we pray, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance January 8, 2007
Standing in the Wrong Line
Yesterday something interesting happened. At work we have this very large sign that reads “Place Order Here.” Beneath these words is a very large arrow pointing down. We were waiting on several customers when I noticed a line had formed. The thing is, the line was in the strangest place. I wasn’t sure if the line was for my area or another area, but finally asked the man if he wanted to place an order. He looked at me like I was asking a stupid question, of course he wanted to place an order, couldn’t I see he was in line? Although he was in line, it would have been very easy for other customers to move ahead of him, due to the line he had created actually led nowhere.
Eventually he moved over beneath the sign, and the line that had formed behind him, moved automatically, as if they never realized they were standing behind a man who was standing in the wrong place, they simply followed the leader without question.
I wonder how many times we’ve been guilty of falling in line behind someone without paying attention to what we are doing? How often have we been guilty of taking someone’s word for something without praying it through or studying it out for ourselves?
Throughout the Bible we read examples of people who followed leaders who did not have their best interest at heart. Today, we see the same scenario played over and over again; people fall in line behind a leader, without ever looking up to see if they’re in the right line or if their line is going anywhere.
It is our individual responsibility to make sure we are in the right line! Imagine standing before God on the Day of Judgment and telling Him, ‘God, I was just following that guy,’ how do you think that would play out? The bottom line, we must study and pray. You may attend the best church and listen to a fabulous preacher, but it is not enough to listen to the sermon, we must pray and seek God for ourselves!
This is not to say your pastor is wrong or misled, but each one of us must study the Word of God for ourselves! We must seek God and pray! We must take the sermon and study it out through the Word of God! It is our responsibility as Christ followers to KNOW THE WORD! It is our responsibility as Christ followers to PRAY AND SEEK HIS FACE! Yet, so many of us simply take someone else’s word without ever seeking God for our own life!
While there are good, honest, God-fearing leaders, there are those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing! There are false shepherds (Isaiah 56:10-12; Jeremiah 23:2; 50:6; Ezekiel 34:2-3; John 10:12). The scripture clearly warns us to not be deceived (Mt. 24:4; I Co. 6:9; 15:33; Ga. 6:7; Eph. 5:6; 2 Th. 2:3; I John 3:7).
Don’t take my word for it; get your Sword and study out the scripture and see where it leads! Don’t be guilty of standing in the wrong line – the line that goes nowhere!
Dear God, thank You for Your WORD! Thank You that is available to all who are willing to pick up the Sword! Lord, stir up a desire within us for Your Word! Let it be like a fire shut up in our bones! Lord, help us to not be satisfied with just taking someone else’s word, but to act upon our individual responsibility to know YOU! Create within us a hunger to devour Your WORD! We don’t want to be found standing in a line that goes nowhere! In Your Precious and Holy Name, AMEN!
Further reading: Job 28:12,20; Psalms 119; Proverbs 2:4; Ecclesiastes 1:13; 2:12; 7:25; 8:16
Today’s challenge: Can you find more scripture that relate to this topic?
© Jounda LaMance January 7, 2007
Forgiveness
Mark 11:25-26 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
The disciples had heard Jesus curse the fig tree and they witnessed the withering of the tree and it was Peter who remarked “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”
Then they hear the words: “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
This is often where we stop with our sermons. We want to move mountains and have what we ask for, but we tend to stop at verse 24.
He went on to explain, when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you for your trespasses.
When we forgive those who have wronged us, we then can be forgiven our wrongs! If we want to be pardoned, we must pardon!
If we want to move mountains when we stand praying we must forgive!
Many put on a good show, and look the part, but deep inside they have not forgiven the person that abused them, or the person that stole from them.
Today when you stand praying, forgive!!
Rabbi, thank You for Your examples through Your Word and Your life! You lived out, even through death, the perfect example of forgiveness! Help us Lord to forgive those who have wronged us so that we can stand before You with a pure heart! Show us the areas of our heart, which contain unforgiveness and help us to let it go – help us to lay it at your feet!
In Jesus Name, AMEN
© Jounda LaMance January 6, 2007
Further reading: Mark 11:11-24
Temperature Control
Where I work, we have to monitor the temps of the chicken all throughout the day. It must always have a temp between the range of 140-165. As soon as it comes out of the fryer we take the temp and if it falls below this range, back in the fire it goes.
This got me to thinking about our spiritual temperature. Let’s look for a minute what the Church of Laodicea was told:
Revelation 3:15-19 I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
We’ve heard sermons preached on this scripture for years; we know the dangers of being lukewarm, but have we given much thought to what it takes to be hot? Have we considered the implications of being zealous?
In order for me to sell my chicken, it must HOT! It is unacceptable to sell anything but hot chicken! Yesterday, while I was dropping the meat in the fire it crossed my mind that in order for our spiritual thermometer to be correct we have to go through the fire.
We tend to fall into complacency and if we are in the fires of purification, we want out! It is a painful process, but what if while going through the fire we understood we would come out like pure gold? What if going through the fire we understood we would be delivered from the spirit of complacency?
What is your temp today? Are you lukewarm? Are you cold? Are you hot? Do you pray for the fiery trials to end? Are you screaming to be pulled out of the fire cause you just can’t take anymore?
Lord, we don’t want to be found in a lukewarm condition! We want to burn with passion for the cross! We want to be zealous and repent of our complacency! Help us Lord, as we go through the fires to see the process is for purification! Help us Lord to see that the fires burn off the things in our life that is not pleasing to You and help us Lord to know You are always with us – even in the fire! We humbly ask in Your Name, Amen
© Jounda LaMance January 5, 2007
Divine Appointments
Let me set the stage for you. Where I work we stay very busy with a flow of customers. Most are in a hurry and it is our responsibility to get them in and out in a timely fashion. On this particular day, everything was normal, customers flowed through our store and my team worked diligently to meet their needs. Then it happened. Everything stopped. Later, I would visualize angels standing by the door holding everyone at bay for just a moment.
I began making a sandwich for a gentleman and had not paid much attention to the couple that stood at the other end of the counter being assisted by another employee. I noticed my customer looked very tired. He didn’t speak with excitement, but rather responded to my questions with very little words. By the time we reached the end of the line, I noticed a pink bracelet he was wearing. I asked him if it was for breast cancer and that is when he looked at me and said, “Yes, it’s for my wife. She had both breast removed and now they’ve found she has cancer in her liver.”
He was now standing near the couple at the other end of the counter and the man overheard and said, “You know Jesus is still the Healer.” For the next two or three minutes this man and myself ministered to this young man (keep in mind, all customer traffic had ceased and it was just us). It was as if the weight of the world rolled off his shoulders for just a moment. Something changed in his eyes, and I knew we’d had an encounter with the Most High!
Before he left I asked him his wife’s name and I told him to tell her there was someone in New Mexico praying for her. He left and the minute he stepped out the door the customer flow began. A few minutes later he came back in and got my attention and said, “Thank You.”
So what happened? This was a divine appointment. I would have loved to sit down with this young man and talk with him and pray with him, but it wasn’t necessary. God was in control and the appointment had been kept.
The message is very clear, God knows where Sueanne and her husband are and loves them so much, and enough to reach down, into a busy day and slow the traffic so this young man could hear the words Jesus loves you and your wife. We must be attentive to those around us, and recognize we all have divine appointments to keep. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so as not to get ourselves in the way. I could have told him all about my experience with breast cancer and on and on, but that’s not what was needed. That was not the plan for this appointment!
Someone you meet today needs to know Jesus loves them. Maybe you will show them through an act of kindness or perhaps a hug! Often there is a misconception that in order to minister to someone we have to preach a sermon or point out all the judgments of God, but the words Jesus loves you can penetrate far deeper than we can even comprehend!
Be sensitive today to the Holy Spirit and watch what unfolds!
Lord God Almighty, thank You for loving us enough to reach down into a crazy busy world and touch our lives! Thank You for showing us compassion and tenderness when the weight of the world seems unbearable! Help us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so that we too can share Your love with those around us! Help us to meet every divine appointment you have planned for us today!
Lord, we also ask for a special touch for Sueanne and her husband! You know who they are and where they are! Meet them right where they are, in Your Mighty Name we pray, AMEN!
Get A Degree Without Hassle and Other Well Meant Words
Imagine if you will, you just spent three days studying without sleep. You’re working for your degree and this means many nights at your computer. You’re spent, all you want to do is go to bed and sleep. The desk holds you up and your eyes try to close, then you hear the sound of incoming email: Get A Degree Without Hassle!
SPAM! Unwanted, unsolicited advice and opinions! You silently think, ‘How dare ‘they’ send me this kind of information as I sit here in a zombie state working for my degree!’ You are tempted to throw the computer through the window!
Has this ever happened to you? You seem to be struggling at every turn and a caring friend or family member comes up with a well-intended comment that makes you want to throw them through the window? You know they didn’t mean any harm, but it was obvious they just didn’t think before engaging their mouth.
Sometimes people attempt to encourage us during a rough time, but their words are far from encouraging. Perhaps at any other time they wouldn’t have carried so much weight, but in the middle of a situation, words can cut to the bone.
King Solomon understood the power of words when he penned, in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19
Why do we feel we always have to speak? I’ve learned that sometimes there are no words; sometimes anything that could be said, regardless of how good the intentions, would only harm. I’ve learned that sometimes I need to just listen (and for a talker that is not always easy).
I challenge you to pay attention to your listening skills. Do you ever wonder why, when you are around no one really has anything to say? Perhaps you need to refrain your lips. Ask the Lord to show you your speech process. Do you attempt to encourage, but always seem to put your foot in your mouth? Do you attempt to encourage but always draw the spotlight on yourself?
Let’s get in the habit of praying for sensitivity before we start our day. Let’s not be quick to judge others, there may be a lot more going on than you can see. Let’s respond with love and less judgment. Let’s reach out with a shoulder to cry on and ears that can hear when someone needs to talk or even vent.
My mom use to say God gave me one mouth and two ears, think about that today and see if you are using your hearing facilities as God intended!
Lord, in a world where words are the norm and silence is often hard to achieve, help us to be sensitive to those around us! Open our ears so we can hear what You are saying and in turn hear those around us! Open our eyes Lord so we can see how we respond to those around us! It is our desire to lead people to You, not to draw attention to ourselves. It is our desire Lord to be ministers of love, peace and joy and to be good listeners to those around us!
© January 3, 2007 Jounda LaMance
Reverence
I watched the ceremonies, as always in awe of the reverence and beauty afforded to a man who once led the Nation, yet I couldn’t help but think about the reverence afforded to a man who will be placed in a tomb that will be sealed. Yes, he was a great leader, and America has an incredible way of showing respect to those we admire and respect, nevertheless, he is a man.
He is a man that was born, walked the earth, grew in rank and stature making a name for himself and in the end, has died like every other man and woman has or will do. The tomb will be marked, and in the future will be a place many will visit and lay flowers of remembrance; nevertheless, he was a man. He led a Nation and set laws in place, but he never healed, delivered, saved or promised life. His blood could not cure or cleanse; he was just a man.
Jesus was born, walked the earth and eventually died. Through town he carried his cross, endured persecution and ridicule and He had done nothing to deserve the treatment He received. He had healed, restored life, delivered, saved, freed and loved. He forgave when others wanted death; He healed when doctors could do nothing else; He spoke life and the dead lived. He walked a lonely, humiliating road. Led to His death like a common criminal. He was not afforded the reverence that we give to our dignitaries. No, He was cursed and stones were thrown; He was mocked as the crowd screamed in unison, KILL HIM!
Yet, He was more than a man.
His body was removed, wrapped in burial clothes and placed in a tomb! A stone sealed the grave as a handful of people mourned his death tucked away in the upper room, fearful for what was to come. All of His great acts and displays of love did not fend off His crucifixion! He died just as the criminals who hung beside Him; yet the grave could not hold Him! The stone that sealed His body away was no match for the Lord God Almighty!
Today, as we pay great respect to a man that once led our Nation; let’s remember that he is still just a man! Jesus Christ walked the earth and gave His life so that we may live! Although He did not receive the reverence He deserved, HE REIGNS today, while others simply are laid to rest!
Rejoice today! Hope endures!
Rejoice today! Love Reigns!
The grave could not hold our KING!
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, whish was, and is, and is to come. Revelations 4:8
Jesus Christ our Risen King! We pay so much respect to mortal man and so often fail to acknowledge You! Lord, help us not to forget what You accomplished on Calvary! Open our eyes so that we may see You for who You are and to give You GLORY, HONOR and PRAISE for which You deserve!
© Jounda LaMance January 2, 2007
Fully Persuaded
Here we are on the 1st day of a 2007 and many will make resolutions for the New Year. Listen closely and you will hear all sorts of goals, and there is no doubt that those who make these goals are resolute, at least for the moment, but I would like you to think for a moment about Abraham and our spiritual persuasion.
Romans 4:18-22
Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:
He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
HE STAGGERED NOT AT THE PROMISES OF GOD!
HE WAS FULLY PERSUADED!
The Greek definition for persuaded is: to carry out fully; completely assured or convinced; most surely believe; fully know; make full proof of.
Did you start off the New Year being fully persuaded that what God promised you, He will perform?
Perhaps He has promised your children will be saved and the New Year has rolled over without any indication of this taking place, but are you FULLY PERSUADED?
Maybe God has promised a breakthrough in your finances, and here you are starting a New Year and the bill collector’s call without fail; are you FULLY PERSUADED that what God promised He will perform?
Abraham was told he would have a child. The scripture says: And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. To the natural eye, it looked impossible, but Abraham looked past what the eye could see! He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Let’s start this New Year being fully persuaded that what God has promised us He will perform! Though your body may seem dead; though the finances may seem out of control; though your children may seem far from redemption; though your marriage may be falling apart; grab hold of the PROMISES of GOD! STAGGER NOT AT HIS PROMISES!
If you made resolutions for the New Year, go back to the drawing board and evaluate God’s promises! Are there any that you’ve given up on? Have you decided there is no hope in any of your situations? Have you thought perhaps you didn’t hear God correctly and maybe that promise wasn’t for you?
I want to encourage you today, when God makes a promise you can take it to the bank! He doesn’t make resolutions and throw them by the wayside a few days later! Regardless what things may look like; regardless how things may appear; regardless of how long it has been WHEN GOD PROMISES – HE PERFORMS!
God of Abraham, thank You for Your promises! Thank You for being a God that keeps His WORD! Thank You for never failing us! Lord, there are many today who have given up; things look really bad and although they know You promised, they have started to stagger; unbelief has started to take over and the promises seem an impossible task! We bring these friends to Your feet and ask that their eyes are opened once again to Your WORD! Stir up the promises within them! Help them to see that You have not left them, nor forsaken them and You will perform every promise!
In Your Mighty, All Powerful Name, AMEN!
© January 1, 2007 Jounda LaMance
Because They Haven’t Heard!
There are days, in the midst of trials when I can’t help but wonder if I will get through, then I am reminded of the words, He will not put more on you than you can bear. Somehow I eek out a prayer, ‘give me strength Lord,’ and before you know it, I’ve come through it, and a new day has begun!
It is in the midst of these trials when the storms are raging that I sometimes utter the words of John, even so, come Lord Jesus! (Revelations 22:20) Now would be the perfect time to split the eastern sky and ride in and sweep us away! Oh Lord, won’t you come today?
Then from the corner of my eye I notice someone watching. They are waiting to see how I get through the storm. They are waiting to see if I collapse under the weight or keep on keeping on! It is in this moment that I realize so many have not yet heard!
Part of me wants to be dancing on the streets of gold where I know there will be no more tears and finally reunited with my loved ones who’ve already arrived, free of this world and the cares each day brings, but knowing that there is someone in my circle that hasn’t heard, brings me back to the moment!
I must endure as a good soldier. I must send the message that God is concerned about every situation! I must let them know that even in the midst of the storm, with one word He speaks and the storm is stilled!
Who will tell them of God’s mercy? Who will testify of God’s grace? Who will take a stand when the rest of the world has sat down? It is these questions that push me on, that prod me another step, because they haven’t heard!
Wrapped up in my life I tend to forget that there are still so many that haven’t answered the call! Consumed with my storm, I tend to forget others are watching. Yes, the message is powerful and again my faith is strengthened, God pulled me through; nevertheless, it wasn’t just for me – while I came through, others noticed that the storm has subsided and a few venture to ask, “how did you keep from losing your mind?”
We must push through, because so many haven’t heard!
We must endure, because someone is watching!
We must not give up, give in or breakdown in the midst of trials, because someone is waiting to hear how you made it through!
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:37-38
Oh Lord we wait for Your return and yet we know there is still so much work to do! We want to hear the sound of the trumpet and be free of this world, worshipping around Your throne, yet as much as I long for that day, Oh God have mercy on those who have not yet heard! Give us strength and wisdom! Guide us by Your loving hand! Open our eyes to see those around us who have yet to hear, and open their hearts to the Message of the Gospel! In Your Name we pray! Amen!
Meet Love
Yesterday I received an email (spam) titled “Meet Love.” It was an advertisement for an online singles connection. I deleted the advertisement because I have no interest in meeting love in a singles connection forum, but for the rest of the day I couldn’t get the words out of my head!
I would like to introduce you to the Love of my life!
Meet Love!
Many know Him as Jesus!
Others refer to Him as Savior!
Many call Him Lord!
He is Healer to so many and Redeemer to many more!
Rose of Sharon
Bright and Morning Star
Wonderful
Counselor
Advocate
Alpha & Omega
Corner-stone
Dayspring
Lamb
Prince of Peace
Have you met Him?
Once introduced, you will know He is Love!
He will not make you false promises!
He will protect & keep you!
He will be your best friend when the rest of the world turns their back!
He wants to be you Redeemer!
Bright and Morning Star
Wonderful
Counselor
Advocate
Alpha & Omega
Corner-stone
Dayspring
Lamb
Prince of Peace
Several years ago I met Him and He’s been my everything! He’s never turned His back on me, and He’s never walked away! He’s my best friend, Advocate and Redeemer!
If you haven’t met Him, here’s your chance!
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13
Meet Love!
Prince of Peace, we search the world over looking for someone or something to fill the void we feel inside and so often come up empty! Help us Lord to look to You, the Bright and Morning Star, the Rose of Sharon. Help us Lord to see that You want to fill the void with a Love that is not of this world! We pray especially for those who are still searching and ask that You open their hearts to Your love! In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Love One Another
What would happen if for one 24-hour period everybody got along? I mean what if for one 24-hour period we actually lived by John 15:12-13?
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
I’m not speaking to the world, those that have not accepted Jesus Christ, I am addressing the blood bought born again believers!
Jesus didn’t say if you feel like getting along, or if it is convenient, nor did He say love only those that agree with your doctrine, or attend your denomination. No, He said, this is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
So what would it look like if the Christ Followers loved each other in spite of our differences?
Here’s what I imagine it to look like:
The world we’ve preached to for years would be speechless!
There would be breaches in the wall!
There would be no gaps in the hedges!
We would be a united front!
As the days grow darker, we need to be a unified body more than ever! We need to realize that we are one, or at least should be behaving one!
As the world grows darker and we face more and more tribulation, let’s lay aside our petty differences and squabbles over doctrine – stand shoulder to shoulder, representing the body of Christ!
Dear Jesus, You gave the commandment and walked out the perfect example for us! Forgive us Lord for wounding our own and not loving those around us! Help us Lord to walk in Your Word, and to set aside our differences. We want to be a united front in this dark world, and to be a testimony of Your amazing LOVE!
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance December 9, 2006
Who Do You Look Like?
What if we so resembled our Father that people didn’t have to ask if we are his children?
You see my brother looks just like our dad. The older he gets the more he sounds like dad. People that knew him will always say, when they run into Chris, ‘you must be Johnnies boy.’ While there is a resemblance to our earthly father, what if we resembled our Heavenly Father? What if people stopped us on the street and said, ‘hey I know your Father.’
What would we look like?
Galatians 5:22-25 AMP
But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].
And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.
If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]
People will recognize the love of God in us if the fruits of the Spirit are active! They may not be able to give it a name, but they will know!
Have you ever met a total stranger and there was a connection, it didn’t take long to figure out they were followers of Christ! What was it you recognized? Was it peace? How about love radiating from every word or simply their smile? Did they have a joy that was unspeakable?
Do people know who your Father is because you announce it, wear the t-shirt and have a bumper sticker or do you have such a relationship with your Father that you do not have to tell people you’re a Christian, they just know, because there is a resemblance?
Do you walk in arrogance, have a spirit of pride? Do people run when they see you coming because you’re not well known for gentleness? Are you longsuffering with those around you, or does everyone get on your nerves? Are you abrasive pointing out everyone’s sinfulness? Could you be the Pharisee that prayed, Lord I thank thee that I am not like this man?
The scripture says But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is . . .
When the Holy Spirit is active and alive within us, then we will produce characteristics that cause us to resemble our Father! This is what people will see:
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance
Who do you look like?
Heavenly Father, we want to resemble you! We want to replace the facades of self-righteousness and have the fruits of the Spirit working abundantly in our lives! We want those we meet to see you, and to come to know you through our walk! We desire to have your work accomplished in our lives! In Jesus Name we humbly pray, AMEN
© Jounda LaMance December 8, 2006
Role Models
Ask anybody in town about Robert and Erma and you will hear, ‘oh you mean, mom and Pop?’ Grandma and grandpa are two amazing people! A Clark Gable look-a-like took for him a wife, a beautiful redhead. Soon they started a family and raised six boys. Troubles, trials and tribulations, well grandpa and grandma could write the book. Faith and an intense love for God in the face of adversity, I think they did write the book.
Their house is always open, and their arms are ever wide. They will cry with you and laugh with you, and will always find out how you are, before entering into a conversation about themselves. They love with everything they have, and I have watched them give everything they have for love that was not returned.
Still they love! Even as they watched two sons die, they loved God. I know there have been moments when they didn’t understand, but they have never given up on God! Call them today, and you will hear just how good He is! You will hear a testimony of endurance, good soldiers they are, fighting unto the very end.
They are examples for us as we take this journey! Take a moment and listen, and you will hear stories unfold of how God has protected, provided, healed and delivered. It won’t take you long to feel the love of God radiating from their lives! Run into them on the street and you will see the love of God in their smiles!
Do you know anyone like this?
A couple days ago I received word that grandpa has advanced liver cancer. Medical science says there is no hope, but we all know that God has the final say. Later in the evening I called and wouldn’t you know grandpa answered the phone. As always grandpa was concerned about my well-being and wanting to make sure I had a good car to get around, and the children were okay and that my job was going well. He was encouraged and an encouragement to me.
Grandma then gets on the phone and just as grandpa, full of love; she expresses her concern for the well being of others. When I hung up there was no doubt in my mind that I was loved, but even more so, that God still had his hand on them.
It doesn’t matter that grandma is finishing up treatments for breast cancer, it doesn’t matter that grandpa has been diagnosed with cancer, they still are firm in the fact that God has never failed them, in spite of what they have gone through! They have not put down their swords and cowered in a corner, they are walking, living testimonies of God’s strength and mercy and love!
Grandma and Grandpa are examples for us today! When they found out their sons were dying, they could have given up! When they were told someone they loved was in jail, by all standards, they could have given up. When the money run thin and the food consisted of beans and cornbread, they could have just given up. When the death sentences rolled in, they could have given up! Nevertheless they have stood in the face of adversity and never once expressed anger at God.
They have lived out and continue to live out the words of Paul:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
I have been blessed beyond measure to have grandma and grandpa in my life. They have loved me when I wasn’t very lovable, and stayed by my side when everyone else walked away. Over and above this, I always know grandma and grandpa are praying for me! This is a great comfort!
If you know someone like this today, I encourage you to let him or her know just how much they mean to you! Let them know that their example of faith and endurance encourages you to go and fight the good fight of faith! Time is running out, and it is people like my grandma and grandpa that shows us regardless of what comes, regardless of what we hear, regardless of how life seems upside down, God is still in control!
They will be the first to tell you life has been hard and sometimes extremely unfair. They will tell you, if you ask, the description of pain and heartbreak, but they will also not hesitate to tell you that God is still on the throne and nothing can separate them from the love of God!
Lord, thank you for people like this that live out the example of your love! They walk through the valley of shadow of death, and still they hold tight to your hand! They encourage us today to keep on keeping on, in spite of what the doctor or the news says. Help us to learn from their example, and to be good soldiers; to stand strong in the face of adversity; to walk on through the valleys of death; to not get weary and lay down our Swords, but to fight the good fight of faith, always recognizing it is through your strength and power that we go on!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN
What if The Headlines Read:
23 DAYS UNTIL JESUS RETURNS!
What if you bought the Sunday paper and while in search of the sales you discovered a full page colored ad that read:
JESUS IS COMING SOON! 23 DAYS LEFT!
What if when you walked in a store instead of holiday music you heard a voice announcing?
JESUS IS COMING! ARE YOU READY? 23 DAYS LEFT UNTIL HIS RETURN!
Let’s look at a headline found in Luke chapter 3
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
ONE MIGHTIER THAN I COMETH!!!!
John preached it! We know he wasn’t popular and we know what end he met, nevertheless he sounded the alarm!
I wonder how he would feel if he was alive today? I wonder if he’d join in the arena of crowds, pushing and shoving for the next popular video game? I wonder if he’d soften his message because O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come (verse 7), is not popular or would not be well accepted? Do you think he would rephrase his message to be more tolerant?
Although we will not be opening the paper to see a headline reading JESUS IS COMING BACK, we must take the Word of God as our daily headlines. His return is imminent, are you ready today? Is your lamp trimmed?
Jesus the Son of God! You walked this earth once, and gave Your life so that we might go free! The tomb could not hold you, and death had no sting! In this crazy messed up world it is so easy to lose focus! Help us Lord to keep our eyes on You and to be watching and ready for Your return! Lord give us wisdom and divine direction to tells others about You, so that when You return for us we will take others with us!
In Your Mighty Name, AMEN!
© Jounda LaMance December 3, 2006
It Starts At Home
Last week a friend called and was relating to me an event that occurred at her place of work. She reminded me through her experience that we must be very prayerful and sensitive to those around me. I’d like to share her account with you.
I went in to work and as always, hugged one of the co-workers. What I experienced shook my world. You see, it was very cold outside and when I wrapped my arms around my friend, she was just as cold as the temperature outside. I have known all along this lady struggles to make ends meet, but is very faithful to come to work, to the point of taking the bus everyday.
I asked her if she had a coat, and embarrassed she responded, “no.” I took off my coat and gave it to her and felt a deep pain because I knew at home I had more than one coat in my closet, and here was a lady without one, in this cold weather.
It didn’t end there, as I walked around the corner I noticed the big box we’d set up earlier in the month! It wasn’t just any box, it was a box labeled and designed to collect coats for the needy. There were already several in the box, and for that I was grateful, but I was shaken by the fact, a lady I work with 5 days a week, 8-10 hours a day, is in need of the very thing we are collecting for others. How could I have missed this?
Her story is not uncommon. I think we have good intentions, but often overlook what is right in front of us. Collecting coats or toys or food is an awesome thing, but if we are overlooking the people in our circle, have we not missed a beat? It is easy to assume that people have provisions if they are working, but I am a witness that sometimes this just isn’t the case. Sometimes there are needs that do not have top priority because we have to keep the electric running, or food on the table.
We are in the winter season, and in most places it is very cold. I dare say many reading this today have more than one coat in your closet. I challenge you today to pray and ask God to reveal, first if there is someone in your circle that is in need, and then if your circle of friends and family are provided for, then ask Him to show you who else might be in need.
Please understand there is a fine line of balance here! I am talking to those who have more than one proverbial coat in the closet. If you have food on your table, and more than enough clothes to keep you warm, and you go out of your way to give to others who come collecting for the needy, but you have family members or friends (including brothers in sisters that you sit by every Sunday) that are hungry and cold, then you need to take inventory!
I know people who barely get by and they give everything they have – unselfishly – to those in need around them without concern of being recognized for their good deeds! That’s CHARITY! That’s LOVE! Still there are others who could give up a coat for a friend! You could invite someone to dinner, throwing in an extra box of macaroni and cheese cost little. There have been times when I had very little, as well as my neighbor, but we combined our ‘little’ and came up with a great dinner!
After talking with my friend, I’ve taken inventory. From all appearances I don’t have much. I live simply, but you know what I found? 5 coats in my closet (I can only wear one at a time); 10 sweatshirts; 3 pair of gloves; 2 scarves and I could continue on but you get the point. Is God telling me to empty my closet? I didn’t hear those words, but I was made aware of how much I have. Then it was like my eyes were open and someone within my circle was without a coat (it is 5 degrees here, bad to be without a coat). There was no hesitation on my part to give what I have, but a humble reminder that as bad as it may seem at times, there is someone who may have it a little worse.
Let’s look at our close circle and pray and ask God if there is something we can do, and then ask Him to stretch us a little further to see if there are others, outside of our circle! Let’s not be guilty of assuming someone around us has the basic provisions! Let’s take it to God and ask for guidance!
One last note, if it is cold outside and you are warm, you are blessed! If you ate dinner last night, you are blessed! If you have a coat and warm clothes, you are blessed! If you have a car to drive you where you need to go, you are blessed! If you have a job, you are blessed! There are many, all around us, who would have given anything for a meal last night, and you might be surprised to find out they are not homeless, but are a part of your circle of friends!
James 2:15-16 (AMP) If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day,
And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do?
Jehovah-Jirah, Lord our Provider! Thank You for our daily provisions! Thank You for meeting our needs! We have been more than taken care of and we know that it is all because of You! We also recognize that everything we have is a blessing from You! Help us Lord to remember this! Help us not to be selfish with what we have and help us Lord to see those around us that might be in need! If there is something we can do, give us the wisdom and direction to be a blessing, so that YOU receive all glory and honor and praise!
In Your Mighty Precious Name we pray, AMEN!
Wacka, Wacka, Wacka
Today I decided to take a walk around the community, not a bad idea, except it is around 6 degrees and the ground is covered in snow. Once started though I was determined to walk on and decided to use the time to pray! The cold would be good for my blood circulation and the fresh icy air would wake me up!
As I tromped through the snow, I noticed the sound my shoes made! WACKA, WACKA, WACKA! Okay sounds like this: remember the Pac-Man game? Remember the noise you heard when the little bad men chased you around as you ate the dots? That’s the sound!! Okay, now that we are on the same page, let me move along!
I remember my 1st Pac-Man game! The original Atari! I mastered the game one night rolling it over to 800,000 (okay if you have a better score you can let me know). In the process, I wore out my joystick and developed the first signs of bad tendons. Had it not been for my mother standing over me at 5 AM (when she realized I stayed up all night playing the game) telling me enough was enough, I might have just continued on, sore wrist, blood shot eyes and all!
Okay, I was a kid, but to this day I will never forget the sound of eating those dots! WACKA, WACKA, WACKA! Some 30 years later, I am reminded of the chase! I am reminded of turning corners and avoiding the little monsters that seemed to multiple and move faster with every turn! I am reminded of racing to the ‘power’ dot that would give me the strength to turn and become the one chasing!
As I walked through the winter weather this morning it occurred to me that all of my expertise with being chased, I should not be surprised when the enemy multiplies and his little minions try to get me around every corner! I should know not to fall apart and give up, there is a power dot waiting just around the corner! Instead of frantically running trying to avoid, I should just clear the path and eat up the power and turn around and chase the little boogers back into their pit!
So, what am I saying? We have a power source! It is strategically placed and it is ours for the using! We must simply make our way to the power! We must not fall apart because we’re being chased, but understand that GREATER IS HE THAT IS WITHIN ME THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD! If I want to be infused with power I must study and pray! I must surrender to God and know that He’s got my back! I must know that the victory has already been won – even though the enemy is roaming seeking whom he may devour, God is still in control, if I make my way to the power source!
If, on the other hand, we sit in the corner and are afraid to move, we might find we are devoured! In the game of Pac-Man the bad guys had no mercy! The longer you played, the harder and faster they moved, but at any level if you did not pay attention and make your way to the ‘Power’ you would lose a life. As Christians if we are not fully aware of the tactics of the enemy, and if we do not clothe ourselves in the armor provided, and we do not devour the Word of God then we will find enemy will easily devour us!
So, now that you have this sound WACKA, WACKA, WACKA going around in your head (and if by chance you’ve never heard the sound, let me know and I will give you a demonstration) remember that the enemy does roam around seeking whom he may devour, but NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US WILL PROSPER: AND EVERY TONGUE THAT SHALL RISE UP AGAINST THEE IN JUDGEMENT THOU SHALT CONDEMN. THIS IS THE HERITAGE OF THE SERVANTS OF THE LORD, AND THEIR RIGHTEOUS IS OF ME, SAITH THE LORD.
God Almighty! We are so thankful that You did not leave us to be devoured by the enemy and his imps, but You have given us direct access to the Power Source! Thank You Father for providing us with armor and giving us direction as to its use! Lord, help us to recognize that all things are possible to them that believe, and regardless of ho