ONCE WE ARE WILLING.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31

Once we are willing to see the sin that is involved in our strongholds and agree with God through confession, we begin to see the lies surrounding us.  It's in tearing down these lies wallpapering our  minds that our prison doors swing open.

But while satan does not possess the power or authority to lock believers in prisons of oppression, he does work overtime to talk us into staying, having wooed us there with all the lures he has perfected.  Unfortunately, he doesn't require a written invitation to do his dirty work.  Our failure to post a "keep away" sign through Bible study and prayer can be an invitation by default.

"Breaking Free - Day by Day"

Volleyball Games

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

     Say what?

     Kind of makes your head spin, doesn't it?  Paul could be delightfully convoluted sometimes.  You can practically see his two hands, gesturing back and forth, as you read the verse (Romans 7:15) and the subsequent verses.  It's like watching a volleyball game of words and will.

     Volleyball is a fun game, whether you're a spectator or player.  It's suspenseful, particularly if the ball is kept in the air for a long period of time.  It bounces from player to player, across the net, back and forth, and the stakes grow higher the longer the ball stays in play.  Who will dive for it?  Who will miss?  When this happens, players and crowd alike will often react with each hit.

     The internal struggle Paul described in Romans 7 isn't as much fun.  We go back and forth with sin.  We willingly participate, hating ourselves for our own weakness, questioning how real our faith is, wondering if we are really saved.  We have periods when we feel like giving up and giving in, and sometimes we do.  But God doesn't.  He knew in the beginning, and knows now that we need a Saviour.

     Still, there are those times when, regardless of what we've learned and how far we've come, we want to bounce back over.  Maybe life was more exciting then or you were having more fun, or making more money, or had more dates, or,...or... Maybe if we just take a little taste of what we're missing, then we'll bounce back over to the other side of the net?  Just a quick visit.  After all, if Christ took care of the game point already, why should we be concerned?

     Thankfully Paul covered this in Romans 6 by asking a very important question.  "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?"  (v 24).  Now, be honest with yourself and your Lord as you answer this question.  How does that "benefit" compare to the peaceful mind and heart in the present?  How does that choice to sin show gratitude for the eternal life in the future?

     We can take heart that Paul struggled as we do, and was honest enough to write down the crazy game that plays out in our minds, hearts, and actions.  But, honestly, aren't you tired of playing?

"Devotions From The Beach"

Washed-Up Remnants

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

     The most interesting things can wash up on shore - remnants of a larger story that we are not privy to; evidence of another time that has passed; items that don't belong in the ocean but are now a part of the beach scene.  A child's shoe that was taken out to sea; a fishing rod that slipped out of  a fishing boat; sunglasses that were jarred loose when the wearer was hit by a powerful wave - these pieces of stories remind us that the sea has the final say on their destination and configuration.

     In the same way, sin didn't belong in God's original landscape, nor was it intended for the human race.  Nonetheless, it is now part of our reality and , collectively, part of our story.  Tossed about, our random episodes of past sin wash ashore to lie in full view, and as we stroll by to take a closer look, we are forced to decide.  Will we keep walking and leave it for someone else to clean up?  Or maybe stomp it into the sand to disappear....for a while?  Or maybe we decide it's time to face our sin.  It's time to pick it up and put it in the garbage once and for all.

     Unless or until we do this, and ask God's help in the process, the cycle of sin's stronghold will continue to ebb and flow in our lives, keeping us from truly experiencing the fullness of grace He's waiting to lavish on us.  Fortunately, we can look forward to indescribably peace in knowing that the Lord (not the sea) has the final say on our sin's destination.  "He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit"  (Titus  3:5).

"Devotions For The Beach"

Satan's Plan Against You

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from me, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

“For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:16 (NIV)

Something I pray on a regular basis is that God will give me a keen awareness of the enemy’s plans and schemes against me. I want to be able to recognize his traps and avoid them.

I believe part of His answer came one day as I studied the story of Satan tempting Eve in Genesis 3 and our key verse: “For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).

As I compared these passages, I had a serious epiphany about how Satan goes after us. These verses outline Satan’s 3-pronged plan of attack on our hearts. And it’s the same plan we see him using while tempting Jesus in the desert in Matthew 4:1-11! A fact that tells me while the enemy may be powerful, he’s also predictable.

Let’s take a closer look at Satan’s plan as revealed in Eve’s story and Jesus’ story:

1. Make them crave some sort of physical gratification to the point they become preoccupied with it. Be it sex, drugs, alcohol or food.

Satan tempted Eve with fruit, which “was good for food” (Genesis 3:6b, NIV).

Satan tempted Jesus while on a fast with bread.

Satan tempts us with whatever physical stimulation we are too preoccupied by — be it taste, smell, sound, touch or sight. These things are good within the boundaries where God meant for them to be enjoyed. But venture outside God’s intention for them, and they become an attempt to try and get our needs met outside the will of God.

2. Make them want to acquire things to the point they bow down to the god of materialism. Keep them distracted by making their eyes lust after the shiny things of the world.

Satan tempted Eve by drawing her attention to what was, “pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6c, NIV).

Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and told Him that He could have it all.

Satan flashes the newer, bigger and seemingly better things of this world in front of us, trying to lure us into thinking we must have it. “This will make me fulfilled. This will make me happy.” And then it wears out, breaks down, gets old and reveals just how temporary every material thing is.

3. Make them boastful about what they have or do. Keep them distracted and obsessed with their status and significance. Choke the life out of them using the tentacles of their own pride.

Satan tempted Eve by promising an increased awareness which would make her become more like God.

Satan tempted Jesus by telling Him to throw Himself off the highest point of the temple, and then command the angels to save Him. This would impress everyone watching and certainly raise Jesus’ status and significance.

Likewise, Satan tempts us to try and elevate ourselves over others. We wrongly think we have to become something the world calls worthy. This creates a need within our flesh to have people notice us, commend us, revere us and stroke our pride. We then dare to boast about all we are.

Oh sweet readers, this is where we must stop and remind ourselves that we don’t have to be held hostage by Satan. We are onto him and his schemes. And his power over us is nothing compared to the freeing promises of God.

There was a huge difference between Eve’s response to Satan and Jesus’ response to Satan. Eve dialoged with Satan and allowed him to weave his tangled web of justifications. Jesus on the other hand, immediately quoted truth. With every temptation, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy as He answered, “It is written …” and He shut Satan down with the truth of God.

What will our response be?

It’s our choice.

Satan has no power over us except what we allow. Moment by moment, decision by decision, step by step — will we operate in God’s all-powerful truth or allow Satan to entangle us in his lies?

- Lysa TerKeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Trust Me Enough....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31


TRUST ME ENOUGH to let things happen without striving to predict or control them. Relax, and refresh yourself in the Light of My everlasting Love. My Love - Light never dims, yet you are often unaware of My radiant Presence. When you project yourself into the future, rehearsing what you will do or say, you are seeking to be self-sufficient: to be adequate without My help. This is a subtle sin - so common that it usually slips by unnoticed.

The alternative is to live fully in the present, depending on Me each moment. Rather than fearing your inadequacy, rejoice in My abundant supply. Train your mind to seek My help continually, even when you feel competent to handle something by yourself. Don't divide your life into things you can do by yourself and things that require My help. Instead, learn to rely on Me in every situation. This discipline will enable you to enjoy life more and to face each day confidently.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

The Bride Awakens

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

  "I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on?  I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them?"                     Song Of Solomon  5:3

     She does not see what it means to refuse to open the door to Him, for she is so nearly asleep, that her senses and discernment are clouded.  Her own trouble, and what it will mean for her to rise and let Him in, are filling her mind, crowding out the apprehension of the sin she is committing.  Her delay in opening the door does not look so heinous to her, for she knows that she loves Him; she would rejoice if He were within. She really desires to have Him within and longs to enter into that closer communion to which He is inviting and urging her.

     Dear child of God, for what trifles have you and I repulsed our Lord when He has knocked upon our door and called us to rise up to higher ground?  When He has called us to wait upon Him, and we found that it was hard to enter in, how quickly have we left our knees and gone away.  We do not apprehend that He is calling us to get into the place where He can do something for us.

     It only needs a few repulses through some trifle or selfish reason, and sleep will prevail.  In the end, the bride loses what God is offering her and misses the blessing and revelation that He is waiting to bring her.  The best God has for her, she carelessly lets fall from indolent and powerless fingers.

Dead In Your Sins

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

Ephesians 2 uses the phrase “dead in your sins.” But what does that really mean? Dead means lifeless, powerless, inanimate. It means we were incapable of doing anything to change our situation. But God is loving and merciful, and He chose to give us new life. That’s the beauty of His grace—we’ve done nothing to deserve it. He simply gives it to us. And once we’re alive in Him, He gives us the privilege of walking in this new life and serving Him.

God's Panacea

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                 "Bless the Lord, O my soul . . . . . who healeth all thy diseases."  Psalm  103:2

     The promise of God to heal all our diseases has been grossly misunderstood and misinterpreted.  It can be viewed as applying to the disease of sin as well as to actual physical illness.  There are those who use this verse to prove that anyone can be cured of bodily illness by faith, or being anointed with oil, laying hands on a radio, or sending for a handkerchief.  If this were true then everyone who did this would be healed, for the Scripture says, " . . . who healeth all thy diseases."  There is no room for failures in this sense.  The word all excludes any exception.  It is of course true that in every case of recovery it is because God has so willed it.  But there comes a time in everyone's life (everyone) when their physical sickness is not healed - and they die.  Only when Jesus comes will this verse be fulfilled - He healeth all thy diseases.  Until then all will continue to die, in spite of the foolish claims of men.

     But the reference here is to the disease of sin, as the context will show.  Sin is compared to sickness.  Isaiah says of Israel,  " . . . the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.  From it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores"  (Isaiah 1:5,6).  Before seeking physical healing we should seek spiritual health.  All physical cures are temporary - ending in death - but spiritual healing results in eternal life!

     I am often asked by doctors,  "Aren't you sometimes sorry you left the practice of medicine and the healing of men's bodies - left a noble profession to become a despised preacher?"  My answer is always no! All the patients I used to treat died sooner or later, but the people who take the medicine I now offer them (the Gospel) never die.  The cure is permanent, and gives eternal life.  The Gospel is God's panacea!

"Bread For Each Day"

1 Peter 2: 17 - 25

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31


17. Honour all men.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honour the king.
18. Servants, e suject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
19. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20. For what glory is it, if, when ye be beaten for your faults, you shall take it patiently?  but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22. WHO DID NO SIN, NEITHER WAS GUILE FOUND IN HIS MOUTH:
23. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not in return; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24. Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Romans 7:14-25

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15. For that which I do I allow (understand) not: for what I would (want to do), that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16. If then I do that which I would not, I consent (agree with) unto the law that it is good.
17. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19. For the good that I would (want to do) I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21. I find then a law, that, when I would (want to) do good, evil is present with me.
22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.
23. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Confessing And Forsaking

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."      Proverbs  28:13

     The uncoverted sinner lives in sin and loves it.  The born-again believer hates sin and  yet may often fall into it.  The sinner looks for sin and pursues it; while the saint is often overtaken by it even thought he tries to flee from it.  Paul admonishes us in Galatians  6:1:  " . . .  if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness."

     This is quite a different thing than wilfully living in sin.  The believer cannot "continue" in sin (Romans  6:2).  As long as we are in the body and our old nature is still with us, we live in constant danger of falling into sin.  We should not sin (1 John 2:1a), but provision has been made for us in case we do sin (1 John  2:1b).  We must be careful not to judge those who fall into sin.  Think of Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, and Peter. There is a simple test which we may apply to determine whether it is a Christian "falling," or a sinner "planning" his sin.  How can we distinguish?  Suppose a pig is so cleverly clothed with the wool of a sheep that we cannot tell the difference.  Let both fall into the same mudhole and become besmeared with mire that you cannot tell the one from the other.  The swine will be perfectly content, and put up a loud squeal when any attempt is made to extricate him.  And when pulled out, he will go right back in.  The sheep on the other hand will cry, struggle, and bleat for help, and when delivered will never go near that slough again.  The genuineness of a man's repentance and confession of his sins is proven by his forsaking of them.

"Bread For Each Day"

The Immigrant

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"By faith Abraham . . . went out . . . For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."  Hebrews  11:8,10

     Abram and Sarah were emigrants who left their native homeland to find a new home in a strange unknown land.  They had never seen it, but had heard about it.

     There must be something appealing and romantic about immigration.  Man has ever been eager to pioneer in new fields, to explore the unknown "beyond."  The urge to emigrate springs from dissatisfaction with present conditions and a desire to find a better place to live.  By such folks this country was settled - by people leaving their homeland to seek liberty and plenty as well as adventure.  Emigrants are people who are not satisfied just to "get by," but feel the urge for better things.

     This is the picture of the believer.  He is an emigrant, born in the world of sin, defeat, death, and want.  But he has heard the call from the land of promise to come out of the land lying under the sentence of doom.  He is an emigrant from the land of death and darkness into the land of life and light.  Henceforth we are strangers and pilgrims here below (Hebrew  11:13; 1 Peter 2:11).  We are spiritual emigrants.  The farther we go on the journey and the older we become, the more we realize we don't fit down here.  Its pleasures sicken us, its music disgusts us.  Its empty conversation bores us.  But how sweet and refreshing the fellowship of the few other emigrants who are traveling to the same new land of glory with us.  But best of all we have His fellowship.  David said,  "I am a stranger with thee and a sojourner"  (Psalm  39:12).  He does not say,  "a stranger to thee (thank God) but with thee."  Can we wish for better company?  Now we are "no more strangers and foreigners" to the heavenly kingdom  (Ephesians  2:19).

"Bread For Each Day"

REMEMBER THAT YOU LIVE IN......

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

REMEMBER THAT YOU LIVE IN a fallen world: an abnormal world tainted by sin.  Much frustration and failure result from your seeking perfection in this life.  There is nothing perfect in this world except Me.  That is why closeness to Me satisfies deep yearnings and fills you with Joy.

I have planted longing for perfection in every human heart.  This is a good desire, which I alone can fulfill. But most people seek this fulfillment in other people and earthly pleasures or achievements.  Thus they create idols, before which they bow down.  I will have no other gods before Me!  Make Me the deepest desire of your heart.  Let Me fulfill your yearning for perfection.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"