Waiting On The Lord

After the Israelites exited Egypt, they began their travels through the desert to the Promised Land. In Numbers, chapter 9, we read how the Lord instructed Moses to have the Israelites observe the second Passover. It is later in that same chapter that we read about the cloud of Guidance.

Read Numbers 9:15-23

Scripture tells us that as long as the cloud remained above the tent of testimony, God’s people stayed put. Whether it was for a night, several days, a month or longer….they did not break camp and move out until the cloud went before them.

The same is true for us today. We need to stay put until our cloud (God’s Holy Spirit) moves out.

Now, it is true that we all call upon the Lord for guidance, direction, protection and provision… in fact, the list seems to go on and on. Yet, too often, after we have made our request known, we strike out on our own and fail to heed the tug or nudge of the Holy Spirit. We are too eager to make things happen rather than wait on the leading and direction of our Heavenly Father. We have all heard that old adage, “God helps those that help themselves” but that saying is neither scriptural nor even factual. God is in the business of meeting, even exceeding our needs, but He does not need our help ….rather He needs our obedience.

Too often when difficulties or uncertainties arise in our lives, we subscribe to the idea …”Don’t just stand there, do something!”  But noted Biblical author and teacher, Henry Blackaby says it should be just the opposite, “Don’t just do something, stand there!” Stand in the promise of God ….and wait!

So, the next time you need a little guidance or you’re feeling unsure of the next step to take along the path of God’s will for your life…..STOP and do like the children of God did in the wilderness….WAIT ON THE CLOUD!

God’s spirit is hovering over you; working inside your heart and mind; calming and encouraging you to be still and wait on the spirit of God to move…in fact,

Your Promised Land is just ahead if you will wait on the Lord and follow His spirit…remember, waiting on God is the perfect way to know his will…..WHEN HE MOVES…YOU MOVE!!!!!!!

Moving ahead …following His cloud,

WPQ

The Condition of Your Soil?

Riding through the countryside of South Carolina a few years back, I noticed that the first rite of spring had begun. As I looked across field after field of newly turned sod, it reminded me of my childhood days and the work of my Dad’s Merry Tiller.

Every other spring, our large back yard was converted from a neighborhood ball field into a very large and productive garden. It all began with my Dad, who after working all day, would come home to work behind the tiller, over turning the dark earth in to ball- sized dirt clods. It was my job to take the hoe and break the clods down into plant worthy soil.

Dad explained to me how necessary my job was….that in each dirt clod, there laid nutrients and other minerals that would be needed in growing our vegetables. These nutrients were trapped and it was my job to release them by breaking them up. I worked for days, chopping and beating the clods, until, at last, there lay before me a field, ready for planting. We then began to meticulously furrow each row and make preparation for the seed. This whole process usually took a couple of weeks…it sure seemed like a lot of work to an eight year old; but, when I saw those tiny corn shoots, the rows and rows of beans and squash and the great big smile on my Dad’s face, it was worth it all.

Our hearts are like that soil….waiting to be overturned and prepared for the planting and the harvest that follows.

Matthew 13 tells of the sower and the condition of the soil as we read, “A sower went out to sow.  As he sowed, some seed fell along the path and the birds came and devoured it. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil; but when the sun rose they were scorched. Since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9

What’s the condition of your soil…and you soul today? Is it fertile ground, ready and receptive to the word of God? Or is it overturned sod that is still rocky and clod-like?

Maybe, you need the work of the Holy Spirit to prepare your soil…to break apart those clods of indifference and release the nutrients of peace, harmony, patience and love. You need to surrender to the great Gardner and let him have his way with you soil….and your soul.

Why not pray this simple prayer today and ask the Holy Spirit to use whatever tool is necessary to prepare your heart for the planting of God’s word in your heart, body, mind and soul….Ask him to prepare your soil so that your harvest will be a hundredfold of good works for the glory of our great and awesome God.

Father, today let the work of your Holy Spirit prepare my heart for service. Let all I do bring honor to your name. May your word permeate the soil that is my heart and grow in me those qualities that produce a life that is pleasing in your sight. Amen

Tilling for the Kingdom,

WPQ

Thought for the Day:

If for the Son you seek to work

To plant God's precious seed.

The you must till the fertile soil

And be prepared to meet each need.

To share with those who need to know

For God gave His only Son…

And left behind those who believe

To harvest what He has done.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray…

Jesus was asked by his disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray”….and in those first verses of Luke, chapter 11, Christ gives them the who, what, where and when to pray.

First, we are to pray to our Heavenly Father; to honor His name and to greet Him as holy and righteous. We are to pray for His will to be done….here on earth as it is done in heaven….to pray for the coming of His kingdom….and we are to pray DAILY for our every need.

“Give us this day our DAILY bread’….tells us that God’s focus is not on a weekly get-together at church; rather, He is looking to meet us, and our needs, each day. The trials of life don’t just happen on the weekend, but each and every day. If we are to navigate through life with less worry and equal to the challenges that we face, then we need to be communicating with our Heavenly Father on a daily basis.

In fact, it is this basic unit of measurement that God has been using since the Creation. “God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:5

We only have to open God’s word to see how the scriptures resonant in passage after passage regarding our daily interaction with our Heavenly Father. He ordained our walk to be a daily exercise in faith.

Now, don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying that it’s wrong to think or plan for tomorrow; to make provisions for what might lie ahead. It’s only wrong to worry about tomorrow….so, if our focus is too far in the future; we set ourselves up to miss the blessings that God has prepared for us…today.

The only way to make it through any crises….trouble with your kids, financial stress, marital upheaval, extended sickness or any other of life’s many problems is….ONE DAY AT A TIME….it only stands to reason.

Why? ….because that’s the way God has set this world in motion and that’s why His Son taught us to pray…. “Give us this day our daily bread”.

How are you doing in meeting God each day ….praying for His provision….and trusting in His Word? Remember, waiting on God takes faith….trusting in God takes patience…preserving in God takes life….one day at a time!!!

Walking in His way….step by step, day by day,

WPQ

Thought for the Day:

When life’s storm clouds gather

And you see the threat of the coming rain;

Just place you hope in Jesus

And He’ll take away your pain

He never will forsake you.

He’s with you each step of the way;

To a bright and glorious morning

For His mercies are new each day.

Working on the Inward Man

Now, I don’t know about you, but I seldom watch any of those celebrity award shows like the Oscars or Golden Globes or such. To me, it’s just a bunch of pretty people getting together to see who has the best plastic surgeon. I mean, just look at Joan Rivers…she’s had more work done than it takes to restore a 1940 Ford to prime condition. Besides, when I read scripture, I am constantly reminded that God’s looks on the heart, not on the outward appearance.

In fact, Paul probably said it best in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Even though our outward man  is perishing, our inward man is being renewed day by day.”

We all get it….we are fighting a battle we just can’t win …fighting to look youthful while day by day we lose ground in this battle against aging. It is so sad to see so many in our society spending thousands of dollars so their obituary picture will resemble their graduation photos.

God has a much different perspective…and He has tried for all time to help us adopt His philosophy regarding this matter….the outward man is here today and then gone tomorrow; the inward man will live FOREVER.

So then, how should we proceed if we seek to honor our Heavenly Father when it comes to this matter?

How can we show God that we value the inward man; how can we invest in renewing him daily? To do so, we must enter the spiritual gymnasium and workout with the inward man… just as we would workout with our outward, physical man if we wanted to build muscle or lose those pesky twenty pounds. Here’s a suggested inward man exercise program….

We must lift our hearts in praise ….daily!

We must push back selfish and sinful desires…daily!

We must run the race toward the prize of God’s high calling…daily!

We must leap for joy when God comes to our rescue…daily!

We must shoulder the weight of the needs and burdens of others…daily!

We must nourish our soul with the meat of God’s word….daily!

We must stand firm in our defense of God’s work in our lives…daily

We must flee the Evil One…daily …and most of all,

We must mirror our Lord Jesus Christ…for our inward man should be the reflection of our Savior and His Holy Spirit that lives within.

I don’t know about you, but I've got some work to do…

See you in the gym of life,

WPQ

Thought for the Day:

Father, it is through your Spirit

We are filled with your love and power.

Please make us more like Jesus

Each day and every hour.

Keep us focused on the things that count,

Help us follow your path and plan.

Let us live our lives in surrender,

Working on the inward man.

Holding on to the Helm…Steering toward Home!

When I began my active duty in the Navy, I reported to my duty station, the USS Strong, without a billet classification; so, I was immediately assigned to the Deck Force. Now besides being in charge of the overall upkeep of the ship, it was our job to steer the ship…to man the helm while underway.

I’ll never forget my trepidation when I took hold of the helm for the very first time.  I was in the middle of the Atlantic, water surrounding me on all sides, no lines or boundaries or demarcations of any type to give me a point of reference ….absolutely nothing to help aim the ship and steer toward a destination. I only had the big wheel and a heading marker that gave our course direction in degrees.

I truly wanted to panic…but then the Officer of the Deck, the one who was in charge of directing our course, shouted out a command, “Come to a heading of 175 degrees north, speed 15 knots.”  I immediately shouted back his command and began to spin the wheel and watched as the heading began to change…..155 …160….165…170…and then, I reversed the wheel several turns until the heading was exactly 175. We were on course and heading toward the direction that the OOD had called out. Now, I’m not sure how he knew exactly where we were heading or the calculations that were required to make sure that we stayed on course to our final destination….but day or night, whenever I was at the helm, I knew I could trust the Officer of the Deck to give me the exact heading to steer that would take me and my shipmates safely to our final port of call.

The same is true in our Christian experience as we set sail across the stormy waters we know as life. We are at the helm of our ship, seeking to sail safely through to our final port of call….but fear, anxiety confusion and so much more cloud our vision and make the way treacherous….in fact, all too often we fail to even leave the safety of the harbor.

But Jesus said in His word that he would provide us an Officer of the Deck…one whose commands we could follow and obey…one who would be with us and guide our journey.

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7

The Holy Spirit is with you today as you take hold of the helm ….He has come to give you guidance and direction and to help you steer through the treacheries of life. The sailing will not always be smooth; your ship may become battered and torn; you may want to turn around and return to the safety of the harbor….but you can trust the Officer of the Deck.

He has made all the necessary calculations and he knows the waters, the currents and the ebb and flow of the tides. You can trust him to lead you to the calling that God has placed on your life. You can remain calm when seas toss you about and you can be assured that he can overcome any storm and lead you safely through to calm, still waters.

So, today ….get a firm grip on the helm of your life and listen intently for the voice of the Holy Spirit as he calls out the heading for today’s journey. It may be through uncharted waters or simply a shake down cruise that prepares you for a longer, more arduous voyage…..but no matter the destination, you will arrive safely home...where you will be greeted by the Father’s loving arms and a whisper of

“Well Done, my child….WELL DONE!”

Tossed Upon Life’s Waters….Steering Safely Toward Home,

WPQ

Thought for the Day:

Begin each day with this new thought;

Jesus cares for you….

Then when upon life’s seas you’re tossed

Know His Spirit will see you through.

R U Asking For More?

In a chapter in the Old Testament, where the writer is listing the descendants of Judah, he mentions one of Judah’s relatives…a man by the name of Jabez.

In I Chronicles 4:9-10, we read,“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the name of the God of Israel, saying. “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory, and that your hand would be with me and that you would keep me from evil so that it might not bring me pain. And God granted what he asked.” (English Standard Version)

Did you catch that last part…..God granted his request!!! Why was this man so special in the eyes of God? How can we achieve that same dominion in the eyes of our Creator?

Well, first, he was an honorable man…more honorable than any of his brothers and more honorable than anyone in the surrounding community. He must have understood what God required of him; therefore, he was a very responsible and considerate person. He truly sought to serve the Lord and to honor him in everything he did….thus, the reason for the first part of his bold request… God’s blessing of enlarging his territory.

He knew that God would not give him more if he were not thankful for that which he already had. Also, how could God entrust him with more if he were not already a good and faithful steward of the blessings that were currently his. The only reason God will enlarge a person’s territory is if He knows that person will use it responsibly to bring glory to the Father and to enlarge the kingdom of the Most High.

So, if you’ve been petitioning our heavenly Father for greater blessings and a larger, more fruitful territory ….the question is quite simple…..ARE YOU BRINGING HONOR TO GOD IN ALL YOU DO?

Before you move on to greater endeavors for the Lord, you might want to stop and ask your self these questions ….

Am I bringing honor to my God through my words and my deeds?

Am I causing pain…harm…promoting evil in my relationships?

Am I thankful for the blessings that I have already received?

Am I using the resources that I currently have to expand the work of the Lord?

Am I responsible for my actions and their results?

Am I using my influence to bring others to Christ?

Take some real, quality time to search your soul as you answer these questions….and if you believe that you can answer in the affirmative in all these areas, then, you can precede with the final part of the prayer of Jabez….for a life that is free from pain.

In fact, in all my studies in the Bible, I do not recall anyone else who was spared the pains of life…save this one ordinary man with his extraordinary prayer….

So today, why not pray the prayer of this humble man and seek to live as he lived before God ….and maybe, you too may live a life of enlarged territories …full of blessings and free from harm.

Expanding the Kingdom…Living for the Lord,

WPQ

Thought for the Day:

Don’t put off until tomorrow

What you can achieve today;

Just trust the Lord in all you do

And He will guide your way.

He will deliver you from evil

By His righteous, mighty arm;

He will enlarge your territory

And keep you safe from harm.

Experiencing a God Moment…

Many years ago, by beautiful wife, Terri and I went away for a romantic weekend to celebrate our upcoming 19^th wedding anniversary. We went to a lodge in the mountains of Georgia that was perfect for such an excursion.

While she was scoping out the place and checking on the evening dinner’s fare, I stood, warming myself by the massive stone fireplace that extends over 90 feet into the large- beamed ceiling. While standing there, I struck up a conversation with a couple that was seated near the fire and in minutes, we were talking about their home on Mobile Bay and the devastation that Katrina had visited on that region. My lovely bride returned and I bid the couple good-bye as we made off to do some local sight seeing.

On Sunday morning, we went down to the lodge to partake of their “Big” breakfast and as we were being seated, the couple I had met on Saturday came in. As the hostess was searching for a table for them, I motioned for them to come and join us… as I am ever the good citizen and always ready to make a new friend.

As they were seated and we introduced ourselves, they mentioned that they would be eating quickly so they could get to a church in the area….the conversation moved quickly and they mentioned (God only knows why) a young couple in their church at home whose one year old had cancer and had just had her kidney removed….My wife and I knew all too well that story…and then we had a “God “moment….a moment that only the all-knowing, all-powerful God could orchestrate.

As we shared our testimony about our daughter’s battle with cancer and Wilm’s tumor (the same disease this one year old was battling), it was evident to all four of us seated at that table …in that lodge ….at that moment …that God had brought us together so we could be a source of encouragement to this young couple in Mobile.

We got the Syke’s address so that we could send them a copy of our little book, Bent…but not Broken, and our promise that we would pray for young Avery and her mom and dad…..and though there’s more to this story that I can write in today’s blog….know this, God has set before you people that need a touch from Him…and unless you step outside of yourself, that need will go unmet and you will go without the blessing that God has set aside for you. I am so thankful that I listened to that small voice that told me to call that couple to our table….and I trust and pray that the young couple will felt the same after they receive our gift of encouragement.

Today, know this…. no matter what troubles, problems or obstacles you are facing, you have a Heavenly Father who cares and who is, at this very moment, sending comfort, support, encouragement and His heavenly solution to you….So,

HOLD ON...HEAVEN’S HELP IS ON THE WAY!

Blessing others…being blessed beyond measure,

WPQ

The following is an excerpt from Bent …but not Broken, A Family’s Victory Over  Cancer through the Grace of God by W. Patrick Queen...the poem entitled, Mighty Oaks

So when life's burdens weigh you down 

or you're feeling all alone,

Remember little acorns into mighty oaks have grown.

Just plant your tiny seed of faith 

in the Master's holy sod;

  And you will grow, like mighty oaks, 

to touch the face of God