It has been said, “Home is where the heart is.” So, distant traveler, where has your heart been? Is it hurting? Is it homeless? Is it afar off? Is it despondent? Why do you look to the heavens for answers? Why do you seek for other idols to console you? “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:17). There is a place to take your burdens. There is a place to find refuge and rest. They can be found in the loving arms of the savior, Jesus Christ. Put what is written to thought. His hands heal, comfort, instruct, and leveled sin once and for all. He is the builder of the earth and skies. By merely having faith in Him, the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. He has also built dwelling places for all His children (John 14:2). And with these hands He shaped you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 193:13). Lean on the Strong Tower. Do not soak in the sweat of your sins. Instead, dwell in the safety of His arms and find refreshment (Acts 3:19).  Read less

David has set the heart of the believer to a standard. Was this intentional? Yes, for it is the desire of God that all men chase after him with a fervent heart. In this passage we cling as dear children, “Yes Lord I will love you.” Not that we might or perhaps consider loving him. Instead, we are called to love the Lord, just as a bride longs for her husband to come home. Aspiring to this standard, however, is not an easy task. With all the hustle and bustle, which goes about are ever busy lives, it is beyond difficult to stay centered. Yet, Christ Himself declares that if we abide in his love we are to obey his commandments (John 15:10). The love that David is speaking of is beyond the love we traditionally give God. This love is strong and passionate. It is a love that prioritizes Him above all things. David wanted nothing to come between him and the Lord. Moses was also a man who had given his undivided love to the Lord. And when he asked Him for a glimpse of His glory the Lord responded, “ I will make My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” (Exodus 33:19). This is not exclusive to a few believers, but to all who chase after God with the same love and fervor as these two spiritual giants. Oh believer, imagine if we all did, what a different world we would live in.  Read less

What a horrendous picture of what we see today. A time when godly character is either overlooked or even worse, dismissed altogether. At this time dear Christian, it is imperative to cry upon the very name of our Lord. The work declares that there is nothing new under the son (Eccl. 1:9). So true even to this day; where evil is around every corner and the enemy has placed his throne within the nations. However, the Psalmist teaches us what we must do first and foremost; pray. Pray without ceasing (1Thes 5:16). From the government to the enemies of our government; from our failing education system to our failing economy; we ALL must proclaim and pray, “Help, Lord, for the godly are gone and the ones who are left are being corrupted.” Our God will not fail us for He is faithful by His very character. So, call upon Him and He will show you great and mighty things (Jer. 33:3). “And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees” - Anonymous  Read less

The psalmist proclaims that which he is unable to describe. He sees the glory of God in the rain, the sunshine, over the mountains, and the sea. He identifies the signature of the divine in a simple breath of air. Sweet child of the Holy One, when was the last time you casted your cares on Him? When was the last time you felt the breeze of His majesty? Count the stars and you still cannot have enough in your hands to count the many ways His mercy has rained down on you. Though you are burdened, He can give you rest. Though you grow weary or faint, He will lift you high on wings like eagles. Cast no worry, for though He is with you in your time of need, He also goes before you. Nothing is outside of His grasp. The earth proclaims His glory and you can lean on it. He is your shoulder, yet He is your protector. He is your comforter and He is your provider. Most of all, He is your deliverer. Your redeemer lives not just around you, but within you; strengthening you when you are weak. Oh sweet sibling, He cared enough to create you; He cared enough to take care of you. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” – Job 19:25  Read less

There is a point in every life when sorrow and grief seem to be closing in. Whether it is the death of a loved one or the rebellion of a child, the heart never fails to feel as though it has sunk. There are some believers who will tell you that this is not the proper behavior of a Christian. Others will try to comfort you with other biblical verses. Though there is some truth to having a victorious attitude; let's face it, sometimes it is just to much to bear. The Psalmist understood this when he penned this verse. Solomon understood it when he wrote it in Ecclesiastes (Eccl. 3:4). Our savior Jesus Christ proclaimed that mourning brings comfort (Matt 5:4). So, allow those who comfort you to bring the words. Allow those who give your shouts of victory to encourage you. Yet remember, Jesus wept (John 11:35). And when He did, He was strengthened by His Father, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me," (John 11:41-42). Therefore, know all you who weep; be strengthened all those who grieve, for the Lord hears you. He will comfort you and He will strengthen you (Heb 13:5). Also, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you until the end of the age (Matt. 28:20).  Read less

I. Tested in Tough Times how are we tested When are we tested Why are we tested 2. Circumstance becomes deliverance perserverance produces patience Chastening changes our perception contention turns into innovation 3.What do we do in the meantime Be still and know that He is God know that all things work together for good keep running the race In all things praise Him Pray, Pray, Pray!!!  Read less