To Be Poured Into Us...

It is common for us to deal with stress on the average week. Most of us would probably define stress as feeling anxiety about not having enough time to get something done, enough money to pay the bills, or enough skill to accomplish a looming task. Look at this interesting promise...

"The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace". -Psalm 29:11

It is the Lord who gives strength and peace. That is an interesting paradox isn't it? Most people would not think that strength and peace go together. But they do when our Lord serves it up! Do you think that if we all had large and daily doses of strength and peace simultaneously that it would reduce our stress? Perhaps its time to request and expect strength and peace TO BE POURED INTO US.

Not That Bad...

Something deep inside us fears tough times. But there are some lessons about God's grace and favor that can only be learned during challenging seasons. Here is an interesting glance at the times of trouble:

"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me...You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies." -Psalm 23:4-5

Isn't it interesting that it is in the dark valleys where we find Christ's greatest attentiveness, closeness, and presence? And isn't it even more interesting that when we are surrounded by enemies it actually feels like we are at a banquet feast? One of the great surprises of life is that when we fall down to the bottom of things, because of Christ, it is NOT THAT BAD! -Verlon

Courage and Presence...

Sometimes we speak of 'mustering up our courage'. That supposes that the resource for courage lies somewhere inside of us. What if true courage comes from another source altogether? Look at how Jesus conceived it...

"But Jesus spoke to them at once. Don't be afraid He said. Take courage. I am here!" (Matt. 14:27)

Do you see in this verse that there is a direct correlation between Christ's presence and our courage? Jesus spoke the courage into them. Furthermore, His courage flowed into them on the basis that He was present. One of the last things that Jesus said to us before He ascended into the clouds was that He would be with us always to the very end of the age. Those who absolutely believe that promise expect Christ's presence in their lives - every day! And because of that presence, they are only an inch away from courage at any moment and during any circumstance. Courage flows from presence...HIS PRESENCE. -Verlon

The Secret Is In The Pursuit...

When you wake up, what vision do you pursue? This is an important question. If you are like me you've probably realized there are is an auto-pilot vision at work in you. Without much thinking, we start pursuing that vision that naturally flows out from someplace within us. I have realized that my inward vision doesn't always match up with Christ's plans for me that day. When that occurs, stress and worry become my walking partners. Here is one of the great promises Jesus gave to us...

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt 6:33)

There is a vision that Jesus wants all of us to pursue everyday. It is a vision that considers the way we are wired, it leads to our best sense of satisfaction, and it promotes His kingdom at the same time. Our best way to wake up is to get focused on His vision for that day. Our life finds its best traction when we are seeking His vision above all else - THE SECRET IS IN THE PURSUIT! ~Verlon

Merry Christmas...

This week is the anniversary of the day that changed the world like none other. Nothing has so affected our planet as the coming of Jesus the Christ.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
~Isaiah 9:6-7
What intrigues me today is the phrase about the increase of His government and peace having no end. Limit-less favor and unending grace. It’s hard to fathom that Christ desires to pour favor into our lives and families forever. His blessings that are new every morning have no conclusion…if we will allow it. It saddens me to think of the millions around us who’ve never learned to rely upon the limitless blessings of Christ. They are a prayer away from becoming deeply enriched by the same one that enriched the world 2000 years ago. It moves me to help others reach for the spirit of Christ. Oh I how depend upon His daily favor. Oh how it changes me. I wish you and yours a most favored day. And tomorrow…more…much more of the same. Because of Christ…Merry Christmas! ~verlon

All About Favor...

I love this time of the year. The Christmas story is soul-deep and soul-stirring. I've been thinking about the messages the angels gave during the time of advent. To Mary the angel said...

"And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." ~Luke 1:28

And to the shepherds who were being invited to the incarnation, the angels said...

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." ~ Luke 2:13-14

It is just so fascinating to me that the message God instructed His angels to proclaim during the introduction of His son was one of peace and good will. Christ's coming was all about peace and good will for every person on the planet. Thus, all of our present dealings with Him continue to be ALL ABOUT FAVOR! ~Verlon

Mis-spent Emotions...

We get emotional about many things. We get irritated at traffic, angry when things don't go our way at work, and concerned about money issues. We spend our emotions on many things every day of our lives. Even the passive people are feeling many things inside of them, though they may not show it outwardly. Here is a time when God directed one mans emotions...

"Then God said to Jonah, is it right for you to be angry because the plant died? You feel sorry about the plant, but Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?" ~Jonah 4:9-11

When we read this verse from a divine perspective its easy to see that Jonah's emotions were being expressed disproportionate to the actual needs. He was spending his frustration on a plant dying, and being heartless about the thousands of people dying all around him. The grand point of the book of Jonah was God showing what is truly worthy of passion and compassion. It is people! Especially people who are living in darkness; they deserve our primary passion and attention. It is easy for us to get so wrapped up in things that are immediately affecting us that we MIS-SPEND OUR EMOTIONS. ~Verlon