~ "Don't be the fool..."

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps 51:10)

Clark's Commentary on the Bible reads: "A right spirit within me - רוח נכון ruach nachon, a constant, steady, determined spirit; רוח נדיבה ruach nedibah, a noble spirit, a free, generous, princely spirit; cheerfully giving up itself to thee; no longer bound and degraded by the sinfulness of sin."

When we accept that Jesus died for us, when we walk into the sanctuary of his love, our steps become more confident, our hearts free from doubt and our determination to lead a life that is pleasing to the Father is undeniable! I've mentioned the changes that take place in people who have completely given themselves over to the care of God. The desire to "do the right thing", at times, is overwhelming. It can be frightening and it can be uplifting and liberating at the same time. To walk in His ways doesn't mean we will not sin, because we will continue to sin up until the day we die. We no longer place ourselves in compromising situations, we have a respect not only for God, but for ourselves as well. The misconception of the "right to be happy" tends to take many from the path of righteousness, simply because they believe they are entitled or "supposed" to be happy here on earth. The Bible reminds us that we are "aliens" here - this is not our home. Our life, as it is now, because of the sin of Adam and Eve, is not designed to be happy - in Genesis we are told that "cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life" (Gen 3:17). We will labor and struggle from our first breath to our last. That is not to say that there will not be joy and laughter. But if you are looking for that sweet life, the one without any problems, the one filled with joy and happiness, that perfect relationship, then look up!

Maybe the prayer you should be praying is today's verse. Instead of looking for a better mate, a better job, a better home - be content with what you have and look to God for a changed outlook, deeper response to his love for you. In your attempts to gain "bigger and better", are you pushing out God? Has he not provided you with all that you need? Does he not continue to afford you the opportunity to open your eyes and realize what he has done for you? If you are saying to yourself right now "God has not done anything for me, I've done it myself" - think again. God has enabled you to attain what you have simply because you have it. If you turn your back on him now, if you walk away now, the one you will serve from this point out will be the enemy. And yes, life on earth may seem like "heaven on earth", but that is the only piece of heaven you will ever see. If you play with fire, you will eventually get burned (ask the fire eater at the circus - I'm sure he can tell you). If you continue to look elsewhere for your happiness, you will find only temporary euphoria.

Give up the desire for a "happy life" and you will have it. Understand that the sins that bind you to this world can be overcome. Reach out to Jesus and he will lead you to a place where you will not "want". Be steadfast in your desire to know him better, be courageous in your battle with the enemy because you do not enter the battle alone...he will give you the strength to overcome your adversary and you will walk hand and hand with him into glory!

~ "Unlimited supply, free for the asking..."

For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)

He is always the same. God never changes. From the time he created the earth and its inhabitants, to the present day, he remains exactly as he was and always will be - a loving, merciful King!

Unlike many religions, that "evolve" to fit the changing times, God is steadfast and consistent. His laws, his "rules" remain the same. What was true 4,000 years ago is still true today - what was wrong 4,000 years ago is still wrong today - the mercy and grace he bestowed on our forefathers and the generations that have come before us, he still offers to us today. He is the great "I AM".

The book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. His writings remind us (just as they did the Jews) of our willful disobedience. Like them, we have shown "contempt for God's name, offered defiled sacrifices, led others into sin, broken God's laws, called "evil" good, kept God's tithes and offerings for ourselves and become arrogant." (LASB-KJV) Yet among the wretched, there were and are a few faithful followers, and God did and will shower his blessings upon these people. But not all will see the light, nor will they repent and without that there is no Kingdom for them to inherit.

God calls us to be true to his word, to be faithful in our giving, to be strong in our beliefs and to not waiver. His "church" is not a building, nor is it a certain denomination - his church is built on Christ and his sacrifice and those who believe and follow will inherit. Anything that is in direct disagreement with God's commands is not of God! Again - God remains the same (as do his laws and his commands to us). If your "religion" keeps changing the rules to meet the changing times, my suggestion to you (quoting Pastor Charles Brooks) is to "run for your life!!!"

Be very aware that the enemy wanders freely in some denominations. The praise to God is so overshadowed by the worship and praise to idols and false gods that it becomes impossible to believe that God is even present there at all (but since God is everywhere, he must be there). Salvation and the answer to prayers comes from God through Jesus - by no other means. When you die, you are either in or out - there's no "praying you into heaven", there's not a period of penance nor is there a measuring stick you are compared to - if there were - you wouldn't "measure up" - none of us would!

Give to God what rightly belongs to him: your prayers, your praise, your tithes and your soul! Help others along the way, but do not stop and be convinced to take a detour down their path. Make the effort to have them come with you - to follow Christ! Never stop offering them the way of the cross, never give up! They are worth it - we are all worth something to God, otherwise he would not have sent Jesus to pay the price! And it's not a "buy one - get one free" deal ~ you can't get it for someone, they have to ask for it themselves. Offer them the coupon that entitles them to "eternal life", the coupon that "conquered the grave" - the one that expires upon their last breath - offer them Jesus!