Radiant Life Publications

Do You Have an Opinion? by Sherry Chester

2012-02-14T07:40:00.002-06:00

“Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, 18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ 19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” (Numbers 14:17-19)

This prayer from Moses comes on the hills of the report from the 12 spies he sent over to check out the land of Canaan. The group of men came back with a divided opinion. The majority of the opinion was disheartened and faithless. The minority opinion was full of faith with a surely we will conquer attitude.

The lack of belief on behalf of the majority aroused the anger of God. The people had seen the power of God rescue them from the Egyptians and countless other times when they were in the wilderness. The prayer was to intercede on behalf of the people for their unbelief.

However, the consequences for the unbelief were grave literally. The people walked around in the wilderness for 40 years all except Joshua and Caleb, the men of minority opinion who had a surely God will help is conquer attitude.

What area is God stretching your faith this day? Determine the area where you have the opportunity to walk in faith then ask yourself a couple of questions.

1. “What will this look like if I do not walk in faith?”

2. Then the next question is, “What will it look like if I walk in faith?”

What is your opinion? Be aware of the consequences as you will either be found faithless or faithful.

Talk to God –Father God, I want to have your opinion and yours alon in spite of the circumstances. Thank you for the opportunities to show faitfulness in you, in Jesus name, A-men.

2012 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™ To subscribe or unsubscribe, email h2h@nbfbc.org. Allow 24 hours for the addition or deletion to take place.

Proximity to God Matters - by Sherry Chester

2012-02-13T07:32:00.000-06:00

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For, behold, those who are far from You will perish;
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.
28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works. (Psalm 73:25-28 NASB)

Our desire today is to be nothing more than God alone. To be in His manifest presence will make material things and earthly relationship pale in comparison. Keep in mind King David wrote this Psalm. A man of great wealth could earnestly say, “besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” We must be careful as to what is most important to us whether it be things, people, or God alone.

Verse 26 is such a wonderful reminder for this day. “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Your inheritance through Jesus Christ right now and forever more is simply marvelous. Let us not forget the ultimate price Jesus paid for victory now and for eternity. He made it possible for us to fellowship with Almighty God.

Verse 27 reminds us of our need to have the reverent fear of the Lord, “Those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.” God is faithful and we in turn are to be faithful to Him. This is our reasonable service.

Let our hearts and mouth echo verse 28, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” Proximity to God matters. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Remember our desperate need for Him and humbly cry out. God delights in being your refuge and strength.

Talk to God – Father uphold me with your right hand. Guide me with your counsel. Be the lover of my soul and the glory and the lifter of my head all to Your glory and honor, in Jesus name A-men.

Where The Presence of The Lord Can Not Dwell by Sherry Chester

2012-02-07T06:26:00.000-06:00

Furthermore He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? (Ezekiel 8:6).

Too often the message shared among believers seems to be more about keeping one another propped up to feel good about themselves and help one another to keep going like we are barely hanging on by a thread. This type of teaching dismisses the glory and power of God that He wants manifest in our daily lives. Teaching should be much more extensive than something that makes us feel good. We must focus more on God’s greatness and how to host and maintain His manifested presence in our lives.

In order to shift the focus, the attention can no longer be on self. The Old Testament scripture spends a great deal of time teaching the Jewish people how to dwell in the presence of God right here on planet earth. There are several aspects we need to focus on when determining why we do or do not experience the continual manifested presence of God in our individual or corporate lives as the church.

Idolatry always drives away the Shekinah Glory or manifested presence of the Lord God (Ezekiel 9:3, 10:19, 11:23). This is where there is great need to repent because God longs for His presence and power to be manifested in His people. Remember, idolatry is an act of worship toward any created thing instead of worship to the Creator Himself. We are not to worship, adore, admire, or revere anything or anyone above God himself. We must avoid treating the commandment with familiarity in Exodus 20:3-4 (NKJV) rather than take this to heart, “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

A lack of holiness drives away the Presence of God. Recall an earlier teaching last week about holiness is treating that which God calls holy as special and giving it due honor. We must respect and honor that which God says is holy. I read the following sentence by author Dr. Robert Heidler and it still turns my stomach at the apparent state of the Christian church. He stated, “Many Christians have such an independent spirit, they don’t want to honor anything.” Oh that we will be dependent of God to recognize and honor all that He calls holy. Consider God’s warning in Deuteronomy 23:14, “For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you.” We must live out our daily lives in our camps (homes and workplace) with a clean heart and pure motive before God.

They Presence of the Lord will not dwell where there is an absence of worshipful prayer and praise. God inhabits or dwells among the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

We are to worship God alone. Honor what the Lord calls holy and offer a sacrifice of prayer and praise.

Pray – Father, I worship you almighty God for there is none like you. I give you the kingdoms of my heart and repent of those things which I have put before you such as entertainment, comfort, and relationships. Teach me to honor and treat as special all that You call Holy. Father teach me how to offer you a continual sacrifice of praise and prayer not out of a sense of obligation rather a love song to you in Jesus name, A-men.

2012 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™

To subscribe or unsubscribe, email h2h@nbfbc.org. Allow 24 hours for the addition or deletion to take place.

Totally Devoted by Sherry Chester

2012-02-06T07:27:00.000-06:00

We often look for a new word from the Lord when he would appreciate us walking in “The Word” He has already given us. The following devotion was first published in 2009, yet the need to remain totally devoted to God not people or causes remains true. – Grateful, Sherry

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen (Jude 1:17-25).

Twice within eight scriptures the recipients of this letter are referred to as dear friends or beloved in the King James Version. As you receive this letter of encouragement from God today, persevere. Remember to be totally devoted to Him. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's I Corinthians 6:20 KJV).

How does this look in what we do think and say today? Let’s break it down and recap…

• Build yourselves up in your most holy faith. Believe God can and will accomplish the impossible according to His word

• Pray in spirit and with understanding. Let your prayers be led and guided in God’s will and way.

• Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Guard your heart by focusing on what is eternally important.

• Be merciful to those who doubt. Someone prayed for and invested time in you. Do the same for someone else.

• Snatch others from the fire and save them from total destruction.

• To others show mercy, mixed with fear.

We need the mercy of God each and every day. Other people need to be shown mercy in order to see the love of God in action too. Be totally devoted to God in everything you think, do and say today. Before each meal, when you go to the restroom, stop and think about whether you have extended mercy to someone today. Enjoy the mercy of God today.

Pray – Thank you Lord that we can be alive forever because of the work of Jesus Christ. Give us opportunities today to receive Your mercy and extend it to others as well as I live totally devoted to you.

2012 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™

To subscribe or unsubscribe, email h2h@nbfbc.org. Allow 24 hours for the addition or deletion to take place.

Giving God the Glory! - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-20T01:07:00.000-06:00

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (James 1:16-18 NKJV)

I want to give God the glory for a good gift He has given the community of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. Thanks to all of our family and friends near and far who helped make this a reality. The results of the Clorox Power a Bright Future competition have been announced. Therefore, Congratulations You Caring Community of CLOROX Champions!!!

PRAISE GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! PRAISE GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! PRAISE GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! PRAISE GOD!

Praise God and thank you Jesus once again! WE DID IT! Congratulations You “Caring Community of CLOROX Champions”!!! Through your consistent efforts and steadfastness using technology you helped win a $25,000 award from The Clorox Power a Bright Future Competition! Sulphur Springs, Texas has won first place in the “Play” category. WOOOHOOO!!!! Please realize only five awards are given among the 1,622 schools who were in the competition. Sulphur Springs had the second highest votes in the country for the Grand Prize and won first place in the "Play" category! We have much to be thankful about! Congratulations on an outstanding job! The winners listed on the website (https://powerabrightfuture.com) include: China Spring Elementary - Grand Prize Winner ($50,000), Discovery - Explore Winner ($25,000); St. Mark's Lutheran School - Create Winner ($25,000) and Judge's Pick - Mackay High School ($25,000) Congratulations to all the winners. I am happy for everyone involved. Students benefit in every instance and that's what is all about.

Your efforts will make many a young child happy for years to come as they play outside at the 3-4 campus that will be known as Sulphur Springs Elementary. I already knew this was a “Caring Community of Champions,” an expressed sentiment shared at the close of this competition. It is simply WONDERFUL to add the brand name “Clorox” to this equation since everyone worked so hard to win the race.

THANK YOU is an oversimplified expression of my earnest appreciation and heart-felt gratitude for every person who: texted “Clorox 7805 to 44144,” voted on-line, emailed friends, printed fliers, passed out cards or fliers, made phones calls, displayed posters in storefronts, placed signs on vehicles, stood at Wal-Mart or Lowes campaigning, built a Christmas float, taught others how to text vote using their mobile device anywhere anytime, promoted the cause through every media venue throughout the area, and reminded people to vote by word of mouth everywhere you went. You did an EXCELLENT job of communicating!

I don’t think anyone involved at the outset could have anticipated, expected, imagined, or even predicted the great intangible rewards that evolved over the course of time. There has been an enormous sense of unity in this community along with friends and family near or far. The camaraderie has enabled us to “Power a Bright Future” in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.

Since teaching and learning are life-long processes, whether you are in the field of education or not, I hope you realize the POSITIVE impact you have made on many individuals. Let me take a moment to remind you of who you are and what you have modeled and taught during those 47 days from October 24-December 9, 2011 during the actual voting phase and the 40 subsequent days awaiting notification. I believe the lessons learned will continue and flourish.

You taught our young children and people of all ages some valuable life-long lessons. More is caught by actions than spoken by words and here is what I observed:

 You placed the needs of children before yourself by giving of time and resources to make this a better place and provide something young and old will enjoy for years to come. Outdoor play is important regardless of age.

 You modeled consistency, diligence, steadfastness, and perseverance. These traits are needed when the end result of anything worth pursuing is not easily in sight or readily attainable.

 You demonstrated a clear sense of civic engagement, service learning, and personal ownership with regard to community that was and still is incredibly unifying, encouraging, and uplifting.

 You kept the faith (evidence of something hoped for yet not seen), earnestly prayed, and remained positive whether we were 7,200 votes behind or 1,000 votes ahead. You never gave up and that speaks volumes! This type of tenacity will empower future generations to lead and educate effectively in all walks of life.

If you helped promote or vote for the 3rd and 4th grade campus playground through the Clorox Power a Bright Future Competition, please open and print off the attachment that is circulating. Display the poster at your place of business, on vehicles, and other public places as a part of our celebration process! WE DID IT!!! We won 1st place in the "Play Category! Congratulations once again you highly favored and blessed “Caring Community of Clorox Champions!”

Giving God all the glory and honor and you great credit for unified teamwork and diligence,

Sherry

Talk to God with Me – Father, we praise you for favor in things great and small. It is a joy to honor you in our homes, at work, at school, and throughout our communities. We give you praise glory and honor for every good and perfect gift. You are amazing. Thank you for this opportunity to bask in Your joy and give you ALL the glory, in Jesus name – A-men

The Great I AM - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-19T07:38:00.000-06:00

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (Psalm 103:4)

We must be more than thankful. Thankfulness gets us into the gates. Praise brings us into the court of God. We need to praise the Lord God and Jesus Christ deliberately. The following is not an all inclusive listing of the attributes of God. It is simple a basis in which to begin to praise the Lord today. Think on and add to to absolute goodness of God. In turn share with me and others how you know God and His attributes with adjectives that describe His majestic beauty and holiness. He is…

A – Adonai, Advocate, All in All, Almighty God, Ancient of Days, Alpha and Omega, Author and Finisher of our faith

B – Banner, Beautiful, Beginning and the End, Beloved of the Father, Branch, Bread of Life, Bridegroom, Bright and Morning Star

C – Comforter, Compassionate, Cornerstone, Creator; D – Defender, Deliverer, Desire of Nations, E – Eternal Life, Everlasting Father, Everything

F – Faithful and True Witness, Firstborn, Fortress, Friend; G – Gate, Giving, God, God is One, God is Trinity, Good, Good Shepherd, Governor, Gracious, Great Physician

H – Head of the Church, Healer, Helper, Holy, Holy One of Israel; I – I AM, Incomprehensible, Infinite, Immutable, Invincible, Invisible God, Immanuel, Immortal, Inheritance

J – Jehovah, Jehovah-M’kaddesh, Jehovah-jireh, Jehovah-nissi, Jehovah-shalom, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus my reason for living, Judge, Justified; K – King Eternal, King of Glory, King of Israel, King of Kings, King of the Jews, Knowledge

L – Lamb of God, Life, Light of Men, Light of the World, Lily of the Valley, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Lord of Lords. Lord God Almighty, Lord Jesus Christ, Love; M – Maker, Master, Mediator, Merciful, Messiah, Mighty God, Mighty One, Most High God; N – Name above all names; O – Omnipresent, Omniscient, One with the Father, Only Begotten of the Father, Only wise God; P – Pearl of Great Price, Physician, Priest, Prince of Peace, Provider

Q – quietness; R – Rabbi, Redeemer. Refuge, Resurrection and the Life, Righteous, Righteous Judge, Rock of Salvation. Rose of Sharon; S – Sanctifier, Savior, Shepherd, Shield, Son of Man, Son of the Living God, Stone the builders rejected, Strength, Son of Righteousness, Sovereign, Sure Foundation

T – Teacher, True, Truth; U – Undefiled, Understanding; V – Victorious, Very present help, Vine; W – Way, Wisdom, Wise, Wonderful Counselor, Word of God, Word of Life, Worthy; Y – Yahweh; Z – Zion’s Glory!

Pray – Father God, I take pleasure in worshipping You and rejoice that You inhabit the praises of Your people. Be glorified today as I boast is in You, Your holy son, my King Jesus Christ, and honor the Holy Spirit by unquestioned and willing obedience in Jesus name, A-men.

The Vision - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-17T07:11:00.000-06:00

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

This verse has kept rising up in my spirit and I recognize its importance. The vision is something God gives that is larger than our selves with a focus on helping others. When there is a vision from the Lord it is something that is bigger than our human frailties rather it is an action and service that only God can accomplish in and through us for His glory and honor.

I thought of this often yesterday with it being a day to celebrate the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King. This man had a vision bigger than himself. Although he was an accomplished man in his own right. He sought after God and had a vision bigger than himself that was not self-centered rather focused on honoring God and doing others good.

It was an honor to attend the local MLK day celebration in Sulphur Springs yesterday and will cherish many good memories. However there was one particular song and one specific statement that resonates in my spirit even now. Shawn Rabb, with Fox 4 News, was the keynote speaker. He spoke of what he does. From a personal viewpoint he is clearly an outstanding reporter who focuses on the lives of people. This is what He does, he reports on and produces news segments and does it well. However, he was quick to admonish the listener never to confuse the “what we do” with “who we are.” This is vital because if we focus on “the do” instead of “the who”, we never get a hold of God’s vision and purpose.

Who are you? As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are filled with grace, power, and glory. You are who God called out of darkness to live in right standing with the Lord and lead a holy life pleasing to God. You are filled with grace, filled with power, and filled with glory because you are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Your do is an aside to you who. Once you know who you are then you will be able to get God’s vision and go forth in power because it will not be about you or me. The vision will be about drawing all men, women, and children unto Himself.

The second thing I simply could not shake and do not want to is one of the songs the choir sang last night. These words keep resonating over and again in my spirit. “How Excellent is Your Name.” There will not be a God size vision if we do not understand, recognize, and honor how great God is. We must remember that the Lord is majestic and worthy of praise anytime, and anywhere. Never be ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If there is no vision in front of you at the moment, get still and quiet before the Lord. Ask him to show you His special plan for your wonderful life that will bring Him glory and honor. The vision will draw you closer to the Lord as you and I recognize we are nothing in and of ourselves. However, He is our all in all.

Pray – Lord God, how excellent is Your name! Father, help me to know Your vision, then never lose sight of it. Father, you are all I need. You are more than enough to sustain me and keep me going in the way that is pleasing and acceptable to you, in Jesus name, A-men.

Better Than Life by Sherry Chester

2012-01-16T07:32:00.002-06:00

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:3-8 NASB))

What is better than life itself? The lovingkindness of the Lord is better than life because the creator of the universe, our Father, is good and compassionate. This is the reason it should be an easy choice of our heart to let go of our own agendas and walk in the Spirit of the Lord God for everything else dulls in comparison. Our focus matters.

I was reminded again yesterday about when David wrote this Psalm. David spoke these words to the Lord when he was in the desert and his enemies were pursuing him hot and heavy. These words were not spoken when he was in the comfort of his home and things were going well. There are seasons of life. We have a choice to praise God in the good times and the bad.

There is a lesson to be learned here. God is worthy of all our praise and at all times because we have been redeemed. Our delight is to be in the Lord because of who He is and not what He does. David’s relationship with the Lord was not conditional based on the blessings. His relationship with the Lord was intimate and vital because God is love and worthy to be praised. So it is to be with us and the Lord if we are going to walk in victory and rise above circumstances whether they are good or bad. We must be intimate with the Lord spending time lone with Him not out of obligation rather desire to be in the presence of Holy God.

God is very interested in the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart. Notice David’s hands went up, a deliberate act on his part. He caused His body to praise God. If God is better than life to us then we will be interested in praising Him and getting his heart on each matter as we walk throughout this day.

Think about earthly relationships and the people you are closest to. Part of the relationship is you take time to talk with them, be with them, and enjoy their company. You make their friendship a priority and set aside time to have lunch, go hunting or shopping with them as the case may be. Time and effort are expended into cultivating the relationship. How much more so should it be between you and God or me and God? We need to protect the most vital of all relationships because His lovingkidness is better than life. Have you praised God yet today? This is a good time to stop and bask in His glory.

Prayer – Lord, my lips will praise You and I bless Your holy name. My desire is to honor and worship you all the days of my life. I want to know you more initimately as my best friend and Lord because your lovingkindness is better than life.

Serve the Lord - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-13T07:26:00.000-06:00

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Every morning as I awake these are the first words I read without glasses or contacts. This verse is inscribed with calligraphy lettering on am ivory square platter trimmed in brown swirls. It rests on a brushed bronze fleur de leis stand on the bedside table. I have looked at and read this countless times. Yet this morning I heard God gently speak to me through the voice of the Holy Spirit. He elaborated on serving Lord in a direct and simplistic way.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Serve the Lord with praise.

Serve the Lord with thanksgiving all throughout the day.

Serve the Lord in righteousness.

Serve the Lord in love.

Serve the Lord in just working for the one above.

Serve the Lord as Jesus only wanting to please.

Serve the Lord as pure in heart in order to see Me.

Serve the Lord with justice.

Serve the Lord with grace.

Serve the Lord with prayer all throughout the day.

Serve the Lord in truth

Serve the Lord and bear much fruit

Prayer – Lord, I will. Every day of my life, Lord I will serve you. I have been bought and purchased with the highest price of all. I want to glorify you. You overwhelm me with how personal You are and how intimately you will speak to us so that we will know you better. I love you Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

H2H - Professions and Confessions

2012-01-12T07:22:00.000-06:00

And Mary said: My Soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46-47)

These were the words Mary the Mother of Jesus spoke to Elizabeth about the upcoming birth of Jesus. Because of what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary, believers no longer have to follow God through physical signs such as the cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night (Exodus). God has taken up residence in our heart and lives. It seems as though we often want to live short of or below this incredible realization. The Greater One lives and resides with in you and me if you have asked Jesus Christ to live, rule and reign in your heart. WOW! Yes, by now you should be sitting up just a little more straight and have a sense a stirring in your spirit. Do not let familiarity with this truth cause you to be lax in rejoicing!
We should be proclaiming with all awe and wonder the words Mary shared with Elizabeth.

My soul exalts and glorifies the Lord (46). He and He alone is worthy of all praise. Give it to Him today for things both great and small.

My spirit rejoices in God my Savior (47). Let there be a joy that resides in you because God is your refuge and your strength. Rejoice in the Lord and get bold about it. He is not ashamed of you, don’t be ashamed of Him. Remind the Lord of all His wonderful works.

For He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed (48). We will forever call Mary blessed because she gave birth to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. People will call you blessed too when you have a humble heart and surrender you life completely to His will and way. People will see Jesus in you by the things you do day and out as you continually surrender Your life to Him.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name (49). Think about the mighty things the Lord has done for you this week, this month and in the past. Call to your own remembrance what the Lord has done. Jewish celebrations focus on what the Lord has done. It is important to remember what He has brought you out of, not out of condemnation but a grateful heart for where He has brought you to and where He will take you. Remember and confess with your mouth, “Holy is His name!” No one else can satisfy you like He does.

Know these words in your heart of hearts. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." (50-55)

Prayer – Lord, my own soul rejoices, exalts and magnifies you today. Father I never want to be prideful, arrogant or self centered again about anything. Forgive me for these trespasses and do a good work in my life. I want to be humble like Moses, proclaim Your praises as King David and receive everything you have for me by faith as Abraham. Create in me a clean heart God and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. You alone are great and I worship You.

Vital Words - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-11T07:08:00.000-06:00

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19)

This morning I find myself still reflecting on a conversion I had around the breakfast table with eldest son-in-law Jeremy some time ago. I made a comment that not all people decorate their homes with such prolific use of words as we do throughout our home.

He thought a moment and said, “Words have creative power. God formed the world with words. The written word of God provides life and instruction.” This served as a comforting reminder of the importance of The WORD in our hearts and homes. Therefore to decorate with words and write is a joy. The words of the Lord are vital words that bring comfort and healing.

The words we speak have creative power over our situation and circumstances as well as the lives of others. We are to speak faith filled words over our spouses, children, grandchildren, and coworkers. This will have a direct impact on the degree of anointing they walk in this day and years to come. Speak life not death into the lives of people.

I’ve committed my life to sharing information both relevant and timely as the Lord lays it on my heart in response to Titus 2:3-5 (KJV), “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children."

I certainly recognize that 50 is not old. At the same time I understand the season of my life and the importance of “walking in holiness” and being a “teacher of good things.”

Speak life over yourself this morning. Then purposefully speak life and blessing into every person God gives you the opportunity to come in contact with. Remember, God created a wonderfully diverse world. He uses people in multiple ways. Do not limit yourself or family members to preconceived ideas. Allow one another to be all God has called knowing that God is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Be patient, giving each person room to grow in the Lord God daily. Extend mercy for we have been granted it repeatedly by our Heavenly Father. Love much, give much, and smile much. The world desperately needs you to be a shining light day in and day out. Avoid waxing cold at all costs. Consistency is the key. “Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little” over time will yield a beautiful life full of good fruit (Isaiah 28:10 KJV). You have been blessed to be a blessing. Speak vital words of life.

Talk to God – Father, thank you that we are more than conquerors in Christ who strengthens us. I praise you for abundant life and the opportunities to speak life into others. Lord, you alone are worthy of praise, glory, honor, and adoration. I give it to you freely this morning.

Heart to Heart, January 10, 2012

2012-01-10T06:07:00.002-06:00

And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment],

So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God that His glory may be both manifested and recognized] (Philippians 1:9-11)

The prayer Paul wrote to the people is the prayer in my heart for you this morning. Notice how verse 10 of this chapter prays for the desire for saints to know what is vital and excellent. In order to be in right standing with God we must walk in peace.

In 2001 my sister Lynda (Brinlee) Davidson compiled a booklet entitled Selah. I pulled this out the other day and was reminded of the importance of walking in peace and desired to share her Selah thoughts (2/13) about peace as encouragement of how to walk in what is vital.

• Walk in peace.

• Hold onto your peace by not going against the peace you have.

• …. by not eating what you do not have peace about.

• …. by not watching what you do not have peace about

• …. By not staying up to late if you don’t have peace.

• Not just peace with others, but don’t go against peace as an umpire.

• The price of peace to me is obedience.

Love cannot grow in the absence of peace. Learning to sense what is vital and approve what is excellent only comes when peace is the umpire in our hearts. Right standing with God cannot happen apart from peace. Pleasing people does not bring about peace. Real peace comes from walking in the way of the Father according to His word for our individual lives. The standard for vital excellence is not what other people can get by with or seem to do without remorse. Vital excellence is walking in the peace of God for our individual lives. Let peace be the umpire as we seek to love God and do His good pleasure today.

Consider what the Lord God says to us in Romans 2:9-10 -And] there will be tribulation and anguish and calamity and constraint for every soul of man who [habitually] does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile). But glory and honor and [heart] peace shall be awarded to everyone who [habitually] does good, the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile).

Talk to God – Father, you are my peace that passes all understanding.

Moving On - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-09T07:18:00.002-06:00

“[Doers—Not Hearers Only] Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

Our heavenly Father instructs, warns, admonishes, and tells us repeatedly to get rid of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Laying aside all evil means to, “Be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind.”

Notice how wickedness is further defined as malignity. When something is malignant or cancerous, it’s diseased and can spread if not dealt with. If we do not deal with wickedness it will deal with us friend.

Consider Ephesians 4:24-25, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.” When we lay aside our old self we never look back. Imagine if the Apostle Paul kept dwelling on all the people he had killed rather the forgiveness of God. If he had dwelt in the past he could not offer life and hope to people during his present and future days after God redeemed him and saved him through the power of Jesus Christ.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (vs.31). God keeps finding multiple ways, to remind you and me of the importance of letting go of evil things in our individual lives that will destroy us. The word is clear about the danger of each ugly sin if not dealt with properly and swiftly.

Then after laying aside wickedness there is great comfort in knowing and walking in the truth of God’s word. We have been given multiple reminders of what to get rid of in our lives. Now it is time to do so and embrace the Lord.

Jesus Christ gives us strength to do this when we call upon His name. He gives the power to walk in victory. Put away the sinful stuff that destroys, brings down, and pulls down. God wants to do something redemptive in your life today. Psalm 146:5 says, Happy is He who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

In the previous chapter we have this hope, The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; he also will hear their cry and save them. The LORD preserves all who love Him.

Talk to God – Father, forgive me for holding on to things that have been hurtful to myself, my fellowship with you and my relationship with others. I praise you for redeeming, reviving, and restoring as only You can and forth strength and grace to walk out what you have called. Father God, I love you and how you make each day and opportunity fresh with your touch in Jesus name, A-men.

God is a Jealous Lover by David Wilkerson

2012-01-06T07:23:00.000-06:00

From time to time I share writings of the late David Wilkerson. I do so for two reasons. One this man chased after God. Secondly he puts the message out there so very straight forward that it either calls for repentance or rebellion toward Jesus Christ. You can’t hear his words without making one of two decisions. May your choice and mine be one of continual intimacy.

“For the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

Yes, it is possible for us to provoke Him to jealousy: “Do we provoke the
Lord to jealousy?” (1 Corinthians 10:22). Paul is asking: “You have
testified that you love Him. You’ve even taken His name. Yet, has someone or
something else stolen your heart?”

You can say you love Jesus; you can go to church every time the doors are open.
But do you seek Him when your time is your own?
How many books, magazines and newspapers do you devour? How much TV and radio
gets your attention—and yet you never give a thought to spending time with
Christ?

Preachers search their Bibles for sermons. Sunday school teachers study it for
lessons. But why do we not turn to it for recreational reading, to be refreshed
by our Lord? Why don’t we open it to learn of Him, to love Him?

The Bible is Jesus—God’s own Word! It is the full revelation of His heart;
everything about Him is unmasked there. I would think that if you truly love
Him, if you expect to spend eternity as His bride, then you would want to learn
everything possible about Him!

Our Lord yearns after us, wanting our time and attention. Yet He sees us
spending all our time on other people and other things and that makes Him
jealous! The day is coming when His jealousy will “burn” against those who
turn to vain idols (Deuteronomy 29:20). It will burst into flames of judgment!

Beloved, when that day comes, I know you want Jesus to take your hand and
whisper, “At last we’re together! You have desired Me so. You have given Me
the best of your life, your time, your attention. Come, now—let us be one!”

How will you stand before Him on that day? Everything of this world is going to
burn. But what about your intimacy with Him? Will you be able to stand before
Him knowing you shut out the world and cried out that you wanted to know Him?

Acceptable Living - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-05T07:12:00.001-06:00

Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Now let’s read this verse again in context with the verse before and after the keynote passage (2 Cor. 10:4-6). For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

If there has been a thought patterns in your life that you’re tired of having dominate everything, know that there is freedom for you today because the weapons of warfare are MIGHTY to the pulling down of stronghold thoughts. Do you ever argue with yourself? The word tells us to thrown down those arguments that do not line up with the words of God. It’s time to engage and win the battle over our thoughts. For time itself has a way of showing a person’s fruit. We are either bearing fruits of righteous obedience or sin is prevailing through selfish wants where the devil has won by pushing his thoughts into our thinking rather than us renewing our mind with the word of God. Such was the case with Cain and Able.

Notice how it was “In the process of time… Cain brought an offering of fruit from the ground…Abel also brought… the first born of his flock… The Lord respected Abel and his offering, but did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was angry and his countenance fell” (Gen. 4:3-5). We want the respect of the Lord and this come with our obedience to Him.

Then we see where “The Lord said to Cain…If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Gen 4:6-7) Now, in the Names of God, Lester Sumrall writes, “The frontline for the battle ground so far as Satan is concerned is your mind. He knows if he can defeat your thoughts, he’ll defeat your faith. (p.77) You’re not a victim , simply be on guard with weapons of warfare.

We have a choice whether we bring an acceptable offering to the Lord and we have decisions about whether we are going to let our countenance fall. Remember Revelation 12:11 that reminds us, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! Know that it is “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). What every we think on gets into our heart and come forth out of our mouths. Our tongue gives way to our thoughts and motives whether good or bad.

It is paramount that we cast down thoughts that are not in line with the word of God. Just because something pops in your head does not mean you have to receive it or dwell upon it. Let’s be purposeful in what we are thinking and rule over sin so that we have an acceptable way of living that is pleasing to the Lord. Our lives are to be a poured our offering pleasing unto the Lord and something He can respect.

Talk with God – Father, help me to live in such a way as to give offerings that you respect. Father I also praise You that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but they are MIGHTY to the puling down of strongholds. Thank you for Jesus who defeated sin, sickness, and death. I praise you for the ability to rule over sin in and through the power of Your son Jesus Christ. Thanks you for giving us the victory over everything that would exalt itself against Your nature.

First Love - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-04T07:05:00.000-06:00

Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying… (Genesis 17:3)

Do we ever stop and consider the great lengths God goes to in order to let us know how much He loves us? In times of old He spoke through the prophets. Then he provided a new and better covenant in sending His Word in His Son.

We must also grasp that God desires to speak to us even now at this moment. Yet there is action to be taken on our part in order for God to talk with us individually and speak His revealed life into ours through the Holy Spirit. Notice in Genesis 17:3 that Abraham fell on his face. There was a reverence and a submission unto God. In order to hear we must be wiling to listen instead of doing all the talking.

You and I were created to fellowship with God. Sin came in and disrupted the intimate communion as it still does today if we have un-confessed sin in our lives. In The Holiest of All by Andrew Murray shares this, “Speaking is the vehicle of fellowship. It is proof that the speaker considers the one he addresses as capable of fellowship with himself, a token that he longs for that fellowship.” God longs for fellowship with you!

In order to have fellowship with God we must give Him time to speak and we must refrain from talking incessantly about our needs, wants, and desires. Abram fell on his face then God spoke changing his name and thus His entire future. When God speaks to us individually it changes our entire life because we have had a personal encounter with God. We can abide with Him.

Regarding Abraham, James 2:23 tell us And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. Now let’s look at James 2:23 again in the Amplified Bible to fully grasp how you and I can be a friend of God one who He wants to fellowship with. And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend.

In order to be God’s friend He is to be our first love. I have been reading a book by Retha and Aldo McPherson entitled A Message from God. I was finishing a chapter and found the following message written by hand on page 50. It was one of those piercing moments when I read more than words I heard God speak through this teenager:

"God wants to be your first love again. God wants to bless you so that you can speak life and proclaim His word. Be holy, like He wants you to be. May God use us as He sees fit… tell that world that Jesus is alive."

Talk with God – Father God, how I want you to be my first love more than ever before. Lord I submit my life to trust in, adhere to, and rely on you. I want to honor Your will God in thought and deed. Thank you for wanting to fellowship with me. Know that am purposing to be still in order to fellowship with you, in Jesus name, A-men.

2012 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™ Unless otherwise noted all scripture references are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Holy Bible. To subscribe or unsubscribe, email h2h@nbfbc.org. Allow 24 hours for the addition or deletion to take place.

H2H - Thorouhly Equipped - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-03T07:17:00.000-06:00

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

My heart leaps as I read how Jude greeted the saints of God and I desire to speak the same blessing over you this morning as found in the last part of verse 1 and verse 2 in the book of Jude (NASB). You are “beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”

We are to contend earnestly for the faith which was once and for all handed down to the saints through our only Master and Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3-4). How do we do this? We lay hold of the word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us the benefits of scripture. It is profitable for 4 broad categorical areas that cause us to be thoroughly equipped:

*doctrine – Know where we’ve come from and where we’re going accord to The Word.

*reproof – Kind scolding from God is redemptive and a reminder of His presence.

*correction – God corrects those He loves. Be thankful for the love and correction.

*instruction in righteousness – Right living is simple when our motive is to please God.

When you and I recognize that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work then we have a better understanding of and walk out scripture in our daily lives to where we look like and act more and more like Jesus. We must embrace and believe what is spoken about us through the power of Jesus Christ. :Let me remind you in both the old and new testaments what is spoken of you and is yours to walk in from this day on.

Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”

Romans 8:37 - Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. You, yes you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. This is something to shout about.

Talk with God – Father, nobody fills my heart like Jesus! Nobody trills my heart the way that Jesus does! I praise you for Your son and I praise you for making a way for me to be thoroughly equipped with every good work through Your inspired words in the Holy Bible.

H2H - Saturated with God - by Sherry Chester

2012-01-02T07:30:00.002-06:00

And the spirit of God was hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2b NKJV)

Thank you for your patience during the last half of December as a much needed vacation was in order. Although I missed writing and sharing the words of God that bless and transforms our lives, I needed to be saturated with God and much of that came about through rest, then more rest. In all I learned or perhaps unlearned a couple of things emerged time and again.

It is not by works of righteousness but by His grace alone that we are made whole, complete, mature, and perfect in almighty God through the infinite power of Jesus Christ and the superb direction of the Holy Spirit. As humans we or at least I had complicated the journey with Jesus Christ and my relationship with the Lord God of this universe by countless “acts” of righteousness. During this vacation, I got a handle on why I was so very tired.

Several basic things emerged as God so lovingly reminded me that it is not about my works but all about the work of Jesus Christ and His redemption. It is not so much about how long you and I read or how much we study as it is all about an intimate relationship with our Lord that takes precedence over all else. Interestingly enough the more time we spend talking with God and LISTENING throughout the day, the more we will desire to do His will, not out of a sense of duty but as a love offering of pouring out and giving every area of our lives to Him.

Another thing I, actually all of us, will do well to remember is God created the sun and moon for signs and seasons (Genesis 1:14) such as the beginning of another new year. Signs and seasons sound simple, yet we make it difficult. If we are exhausted then something or some things are out of balance. If we are busy “doing” we are not able to spend time with God.

God spoke this to me dozens of different ways, perhaps the funniest one was confirmation as something my sister said, “All you did was being much needed balance back into your life. The tail does not wag the dog. The dog wags the tail.” Events, other people’s agendas, and our own expectations should not dictate what we do. It is God who leads, guides, and directs.

We guard against doing things that look religious and do what God commands us individually. How do we do this? We must be saturated with God. If we are consumed with Him above all else, we will be able to respond to people correctly regardless of their personal wants or ours.

Being Saturated with God is easy if we will let go of the control. The example that came to mind when I read the passage about “And the spirit of God was hovering over the waters” is that of new parents who hover over a baby to make sure all is well. The Holy Spirit of God not only hovered over the waters, yet He hovers over our lives as the very best Father of all. Since He hovers over, in, and through our lives, then when need to get out of the way with our agenda and plan in order to be saturated with God. He can make a perfect heart, one after His.

Talk with God – Father, may I enjoy You in abundance today. I thank you for hovering over my life in order that I may show forth your love and mercy to others. Father, I praise you for a new year and desire to seek You and keep your statues above all else, in Jesus name, A-men.

2012 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™ To subscribe or unsubscribe, email h2h@nbfbc.org. Allow 24 hours for the addition or deletion to take place.

H2H - Praiseworthy!

2011-12-01T07:20:00.002-06:00

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. (Psalm 8:1 NIV)

Let’s forget about ourselves, concentrate on God and worship Him. The mountains and valleys proclaim He is Lord. Nature shows forth His glory. Let’s praise the Lord. Lift our voices toward heaven and tell Him “How great though art.”

Stop and ponder the greatness of our God. Then without hesitation begin to, “bless the LORD at all times: [let] his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:2). Consider the greatness of our God today and bless Him mightily. He inhabits the praises of His people.

Psalm 18:46 - The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Psalm 41:13 - Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

Psalm 68:19 - Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Psalm 72:18 - Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

Psalm 103:1 - Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psalm 103:21 - Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Psalm 104:1 - Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Psalm 106:48 - Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 113:2 - Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Psalm 134:2 - Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. Psalm 145:10 - All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Prayer – Lord you are absolutely great! Perfect and wonderful are all Your works. My heart takes pleasure in worshipping and blessing You. Be exalted Lord. May the praise and worship of my heart be a sweet fragrance to you, pleasing and acceptable in Your sight, in Jesus name A-men.

H2H - Victory in Progress - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-30T07:19:00.000-06:00

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

A couple of Friday afternoons ago my husband and I were discussing VIP's (Very Important People). Each of you are very important people to God and me not because what you do rather because of who God made you to be. You were made in the image of God. As a believer in Jesus Christ, He is changing you daily more into the image of our Heavenly Father as we cooperate and follow the commands set forth in the Bible.

The truth is you are a Very Important Person (VIP) because God made you that way and you are priceless in His eyes. Never forget that truth. Therefore, you are priceless in my eyes as well. Maxie, my husband, went on say instead of VIP standing for Very Important Person with the attention on one's self importance or recognizing the worldly importance of others, he suggested VIP stand for Victory in Progress.

I really liked it when he said Victory in Progress (VIP) for that is what life, investing in others, and living unto the Lord is all about. We progressively walk in victory as we learn more about the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spent. You and I are given multiple opportunities to obey, and walk in His ways every day. Your life and the lives of those who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior represent VICTORY IN PROGRESS (VIP)!

If you see someone who does not know how to live a life of Victory in Progress because they do not know Jesus, stop and share. Everyone needs to know and receive the good news of Jesus Christ! Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is not limited to vocational and bi-vocational staff. Each one of us is called to share hope to a lost a dying world. We start with the person closest by.

Have we spent as much time witnessing and sharing the love of Jesus as we have shopping, or perhaps voting for a competition that will end soon? This world will end soon too. Will we have remorse for what we never got around to sharing or will we see Jesus and know we were completely spent all for His glory?

Pray - Father, thank you for changing our lives from glory to glory. I praise you for your patience and longsuffering. Lord, give us opportunities to share your unconditional love with others today all for your glory in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - A Heart of Wisdom

2011-11-14T05:23:00.000-06:00

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

My precious mother turns 84 today. Please pray for Ms. Opal to have a wonderful year full of health and peace. I turned 50 yesterday. I had looked forward to this milestone birthday for several months. Friends and family made this celebration truly wonderful.

In the midst of much celebration, because our families have a multitude of November birthdays, I found Psalm 90:12 grabbing my attention differently that in times past. There is not a reason to fear death if you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior now. Yet, once we fully aware of how few our days really are on earth, the turning point with this verse is what does “a heart of wisdom look like?”

Paraphrasing Proverbs 2:1-6, we find out wisdom is receiving the words of God and obeying them. If we ask for and seek discernment, desiring wisdom and understanding, we will find it starts by reverently fearing the Lord. This means you and I will want to do things His way not ours regardless of what others want or our own personal self interest. It you and I need and want wisdom and knowledge, we simply ask God for it and he will give it to us generously.

Over the years I’ve spent time wanting to know what wisdom and knowledge looks like in the daily grind of life. Ephesians 3:17-19 serves as a foundational part of the answer, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

It is difficult to number our days and walk with a heart of wisdom unless we understand how much Jesus Christ loves us. He really loves you and me! In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul is begging believers to walk in a heart of wisdom. Listen and hear how we can live it out today, “I…implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing love for one another, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

An individual with a heart of wisdom sees and loves others as Jesus, walks in humility, gentleness, and patience. A heart of wisdom pursues peace without compromising the word of God.

H2H - A Lesson in Perseverence - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-11T07:14:00.002-06:00

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (I Corinthians 9:24-25)

Like our King Jesus who was a carpenter by trade yet went around sharing the gospel, by trade I am a grant writer and work with emergency management for the school district in my hometown. An opportunity arose about a month ago to write a small grant. Once approved it would be open for a national competition. The school with the most votes per each of 3 categories will each win $50,000. Through this process, I have a better understanding of the perseverance the Lord expects throughout life.

The district has been in the competition approximately 18 days with 27 days of “the race” left. People in our community have enthusiastically voted twice a day text and voted on-line. We have gathered friends and family from across the nation to help the district win the race and get the prize of $50,000 for a playground at the 3-4 campus.

Sulphur Springs, TX moved up early to 36th place out of 519 schools across the US. Last week we were in 16th place. On Monday of this week we were in 8th place. I must tell you a lot of work took place on the part of MANY individuals to advance.

One morning as I awoke the enemy kept saying, “You really don’t want to get up and work on this Clorox race. You all will not win. Just give up now.” After casting down those thoughts, I went on-line to see how the voting was going that morning. The district had moved from 6th place to 3rd. As I write to you this morning, we are in second place with 27 days to go and need to gain 6,000 votes. There is still much work to win the race. I give this practical example to drive home the spiritual application.

There is much to be done before the eastern sky is parted and Jesus Christ returns. They harvest is ripe. Are we excited and looking for opportunities to tell other people that Jesus Christ is Lord? Do we minister life, hope, and healing to those in our path who are hurting and need a touch from Jesus? Are we running the eternal race well knowing that the time is near? Are we preserving or have we become complacent?

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us with these words about the eternal race that matters most. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Pray - Father, help us not to grow weary in well doing. I ask you for divine appointments to make an eternal difference. Father, I want to share the good news of Jesus Christ with many others and pray for opportunities to do this. Help me not to overlook or pass by someone else who is hurting rather to take the time to offer hope, encouragement and point them to You. Lord, I love you and need you. Help me to persevere in all things to Your glory, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - In Theory or In Reality - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-10T06:17:00.002-06:00

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

An infallible remark followed by a straightforward question. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”

It is nothing short of arrogant for you and I to think we can handle circumstances and situations in life on our own. Yet if we are not full of the word of God we will act foolishly.

If we get a hold of the factual statement, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh” then we can answer the question with unwavering confidence. God brought everything into existence. He knows us better than we know ourselves and nothing is a shock or surprise to Him, nothing absolutely nothing.

God is asking each one of us to look to Him right now and answer the question not in theory rather in light of reality. Is there anything to hard for God? The answer is absolutely and emphatically NO! He is no respecter of person’s and nothing’s too hard for Him. His promises and ways are for whosoever will. God is the safe place.

Restoring a marriage, healing a child, providing a job, and saving souls is not too difficult for God. Giving wisdom, knowledge, and understanding on how to do something with excellence is not too difficult for God. Calming the raging storm that tries to exalt itself in each individual life is not too difficult for God.

“O ye of little faith”, are the very words Jesus said to the disciples after they had seen Him move repeatedly as He clothed them, fed them and, protected them (Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 16:8, and Luke 12:28) He wanted to know when doubt and unbelief would no longer have a place in their hearts. When will it not long have a place in ours?

God wants you to answer a question straight up this morning. Is there anything in your life or anyone else’s for that matter that is too hard for Him to handle today? Out of a heart full of belief and confession from your mouth, let the Lord know that nothing, absolutely nothing is too difficult for Him today. Believe God beyond what you can see, think, or feel. Because you are choosing to take God at His word right now, you my friend are walking in faith! This pleases God beyond measure and allows Him to move mightily on your behalf all for His glory through Jesus Christ.

Pray – You oh Lord, are the God of ALL flesh! Nothing is too difficult for you. I praise you for _____________ (get specific and run fear and doubt out!) in Jesus’ mighty name, A-men

H2H - Attributes of God - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-09T07:27:00.001-06:00

H2H - Disciplined Discipleship - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-08T07:20:00.000-06:00

Periodically, I feel the need in my spirit to repeat a devotional. It does not mean it is not a “now” word from the Lord. It simply means the words of life the Lord shared then is still the very words He wants you and I to walk in today. The following message was shared on December 21, 2009. The relevancy is even more urgent today.

I have thought about discipleship a fair amount during 2009. As believers in Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to be a disciple. It will continue to be a focus in 2010 as I have much more to absorb on the subject. You and I are “to learn, study, and pass along sayings and teachings of the master” (Hollman Bible Dictionary). This is a distinct and well defined responsibility of every son and daughter of the living king.

Even now I am reminded at the end of time there is “The Open Book” test. Excuses will wane and fall short of why we did not heed the words of God. It will not be anyone else’s fault but our own if we did not read, study, and learn how to be like our Father. Conversely, we are of no use to Him or ourselves if what we learn, we hold on to and do not pour into others daily.

People often think if they are not well studied, they have nothing to give. Willingness to be used of God is our gift to Him. To study and learn is the discipline of this gift. To pass along and impart life giving words of the Lord’s to someone else involves His anointing power. Yet our responsibility is to learn of Him.

For years I glanced at a saying at Logos Christian Center that read, “Let God change you, then He can change the world through you.” It’s not how long you read and study that makes the difference. It’s what you allow The Word to do in and through you that makes all the difference.

If you thought on the following verses or even one verse for very long at all it would radically change your thinking and speaking. Psalm 34:1-4:

1I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice.
3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Think about it, if you bless the Lord, you can’t help but be in a good mood while you put a smile on His face too (vs. 1). If you boast in the Lord, pride can not exalt itself. Then others have the opportunity to share in His goodness with you (vs. 2). When we magnify the Lord, eyes are off of ourselves and what would try to concern us (vs. 3). When we draw near to God, He draws near to us and saves from fears (vs4). Fear opposes happiness, peace, and joy. When we bless, speak, and talk about the Lord, He gives us His perspective. Then we can say all is well despite circumstances, tests, or trials. Dare to disciple today. Read and study the word. Then give hope to someone else based on the word of God, He shared with you.

Pray - Mold and shape me into a disciplined disciple of Yours, in Jesus name A-men.

H2H - Purification and Sanctification - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-07T06:37:00.000-06:00

I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms! (I Peter 5:12A)

Much like Peter, there is urgency in what is being written this morning. The bulk of what is being shared is straight from the mouth of God with a burning desire within for each of us to walk out The Word of as never before. Carefully consider the words before us. I have added line breaks to cause the reader to pause and think about what is being spoken to our hearts this morning.

Jeremiah 7:21-23 is a now word for today. "The Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God: 'Go ahead! Put your burnt offerings with all your other sacrificial offerings and make a good meal for yourselves. I sure don't want them! When I delivered your ancestors out of Egypt, I never said anything to them about wanting burnt offerings and sacrifices as such.

But I did say this, commanded this: "Obey me. Do what I say and I will be your God and you will be my people. Live the way I tell you. Do what I command so that your lives will go well."

The message in the same in the New Testament although worded different to help drive the command home. James 4:7-8 says this,

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life.

It is time to say, “God, work your will in me.” Obedience is the only way through the things that concern us. The world does not have answers for you and me. Jesus is the answer and He is our way to having an intimate relationship with God the Father. Make certain to obey the last thing God told you to do in order to hear Him afresh and anew.

Pray – Father, I give you myself. Lord, help me to live the way you tell me too. I want to be clean before you from the inside out, Lord in the mighty name of Jesus.

H2H - Get Real - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-04T07:24:00.002-05:00

"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration." (John 21:15-18a)

Because Jesus is the source of life, you and I are to live vibrant lives! You and I have been given the opportunity to serve as holy priests offering up Christ approved lives. It just does not get any better than this!

Think about adoring the Father today in thought, word and deed. We must get passed the physical things we see and respond to people and circumstances through the eyes of faith and with a heart of compassion just like Jesus. Be eternally real with God, yourself, and others.

Non believers readily know if our life of faith and walk with the Lord is real. Let’s get honest with ourselves and see if we are being real before God or playing some religious game. There is a need to repeat one sentence again. You and I have been given the opportunity to serve as holy priests offering up Christ approved lives. Get real.

Pray – Father, I praise you that Jesus is the source of life according to I Peter 2. Thank you that You desire for me to live a vibrant life unto You that is honest and real. Father, my desire is to live a life that You approve of so empower me with Holy Ghost boldness to walk through the everyday circumstances of life with in a God approved manner, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Only Proper Motive - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-18a)

The call is simple, yet profound. The motive for evangelism, witnessing, discipleship, mentoring, walking in peace, and trusting God during trials is to lead everyone to Jesus Christ. Just like Peter, if we love Jesus we will feed others the bread of life, stand in the gap though prayer, and lend a helping hand whether everything is so called perfect in our lives of not.

“Feeding the sheep” is not conditional on the amount of time we do or do not have, how we feel, or other’s perception of us. Feeding the sheep, means knowing God intimately enough that we can lead others to Him to experience His unconditional love, grace, and mercy for themselves. The one and only true motive for helping others know the King more is solely based on how much we love the Lord. Jesus is saying to us today, “If you love me, feed my sheep.”

Pray – Father, the only prayer to you this morning is to remind you of Your word in I Timothy 4:16. Father help me to, “Keep a firm grasp on both my character and your teaching. I don't want to be diverted. Help me to just keep at it. So that I may and those who hear may experience salvation in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Heart Regurgitation - by Sherry Chester

2011-11-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

He [Jesus] went on: "It's what comes out of a person that pollutes: obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness—all these are vomit from the heart. There is the source of your pollution." (Luke 7:20-23 - The Message)

When going to school there were some vocabulary words learned that were fun to say even though the meaning was far from enjoyable. For me, the word regurgitate was a fun word to learn how to spell and say, however the meaning brings no pleasure at all. Regurgitate means to vomit.

If you have lived any length of time at all you have had the unfortunate experience of being physically sick to where your stomach rejected food therefore causing you to throw up any food that was in your stomach.

Physical vomiting causes what was in the stomach to come back up and out of the body. It is a way of cleansing the body from something it can’t handle. Notice what Jesus said about the condition of our hearts in Luke 7. We are polluted by the vile things in our heart that are not of God. When obscenities, means looks, or anything else that is not of God comes forth, we are vomiting from our hearts things that are evil. Apart from God there is no good thing in us. We must stay continually renewed with the word of God so that He can change us more into His image daily.

There is a choice to vomit wretched things from the heart that are of our own flesh and the ways of this world or we can ask God to “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:9-11 KJV). There is a choice what we regurgitate from the heart. Will you and I speak forth words of death or words of life?

Pray – Father, purify my heart, cleanse me from within and make me holy. I do not want to be speaking forth anything not of you. Show me how to live, move, and have my entire being reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Father I need you to complete in me that good thing which you have started for I can not do it of my own strength, in Jesus name A-men.

H2H - Truly Aligned - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-31T07:23:00.000-05:00

"This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time." (John 6:39-40 - The Message)

Don’t we desire to be upright and whole? Then we must be truly aligned with His interests and desires in others. We have dismissed and made light of sin for far too long. The Lord reminded me of this multiple times throughout the weekend as I had the opportunity to either be selfish and desire my way, even about stupid insignificant things, or walk in the Holy Spirit, which can not and will not function in an atmosphere of strife which is caused by selfishness.

Consider Matthew 7:21-23 as to the warning about not being truly aligned, "Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'

The confession of Psalm 116:9 needs to be the desire of our hearts and the actions of our bodies, “I'm striding in the presence of GOD, alive in the land of the living!" Think of when you walk or jog with someone else, there is a stride that both parties walk in to go at the same pace. God wants us to match His stride and this is done through the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and directs.

The best offer ever is on the table for the accepting. You and I can be in stride with God right here, right now, in the land of the living. Find his pace, his will, then get in place. When He moves, you move. When He slows down or speeds up, make the adjustment knowing that He will always provide a place of rest. Truly aligned means doing His will, His way, each day.

Pray – Father, eternity is far too long to be without You. God help us to be truly aligned to You with a right motive and the desire to be obedient in things great and small. Lord, help us to get in stride with You and finish the race strong to Your glory. Thanks you for King Jesus and the honor it is to come to You through Your son, A-men.

H2H - No Escape Clause Needed by Sherry Chester

2011-10-27T07:04:00.002-05:00

And as he [Jesus] prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. (Luke 9:29)

The interesting thing about prayer is that we often times make it about something it is not. Times of prayer are not to be filled with needs that are all about me. In fact, prayer is an opportunity or gateway to give God access to our individual lives because He uses our needs to shape us into the very image of His Son Jesus Christ.

No escape clause is needed if the motive of the prayer is not selfish. Put in the form of a question. What is the motive of our heart when we pray? Is the prayer one that will honor and glorify God? Another question to consider is this. Why should God answer a specific prayer request?

Many times prayers go unanswered because the motive is selfish then we start making excuses for God. No escape clause is needed. He is the Lord Almighty and can move heaven and earth. When we find ourselves praying selfish prayers, we need to stop and reword the request unto the Lord in a way that glorifies Him. The short circuit is not with God it is with us when we ask amiss.

We are told to bring the words of the Lord to His remembrance. These are they prayers He will answer every time. No escape clause is needed for God or us when it comes to making requests known before God. When we stay before the Lord beseeching Him in the name of Jesus, He changes our heart, circumstances, and countenance to reflect the glory of the Lord. Praise God!

No escape clause is needed regarding prayer. The adjustment is to be made by the request to where prayers are God-honoring and unselfish. Let’s make the adjustments today.

Pray – Father, far too many times the requests have been self motivated instead of God motivated. Forgive me for not praying effectively in accordance with Your word. Show me how to pray effectively so that You will avail much in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Bruised Fruit - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-26T05:44:00.000-05:00

I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples. (John 15:5-8 The Message)

The New King James Version shares verse 8 this way, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” When we bear much fruit we are talking about changed lives in God through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The only way to bear good fruit is time spent alone with God. We need to take inventory of the fruit of the spirit in our lives. Are we walking in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galations 5:22)?

If we do not guard our heart, the fruit can become bruised through offense. Satan’s number one tactic is to cause an offense thereby getting people to walk in the flesh causing division. “Works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.” (Galations 5:19-21)

In order not to have bruised fruit as we seek to do the will of God, we must crucify the works of the flesh and make certain not to pick up an offense because everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, you and I have a responsibility to deliberately walk in Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV) even when our flesh screams to do right the opposite. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

I appreciate something Edwina Patterson shared in one of her books and it has stuck with me. ”Forgiveness doesn’t mean the other person is right. It means we are right with God.” We have nothing to prove to people. Do not let the offense of others bruise the fruit in your life. Forgive much because we have been forgiven much (Luke 7:47).

Pray – Father, forgive me for works of the flesh and times I have let the enemy reap havoc through me. Father you have forgiven me of much therefore I want to love you much and readily forgive others. Above all my desire is to be continually rightly related to You in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Obedience is Thicker than Blood - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-25T07:18:00.000-05:00

Just then his mother and brothers showed up. Standing outside, they relayed a message that they wanted a word with him. He was surrounded by the crowd when he was given the message, "Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside looking for you."

Jesus responded, "Who do you think are my mother and brothers?" Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, "Right here, right in front of you—my mother and my brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:31-25 – The Message)

Many of us are familiar with the expression, “blood is thicker than water”. However, we find in scripture that “obedience is thicker than blood”. People will automatically take the side or position with family and relatives because of the God given connection that exists through the very blood that flows through our veins. There is an almost unexplainable allegiance that exists. The only thing that can supersede this type of allegiance, whether the individuals we are siding with are right or wrong, is obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture clearly indicates there is a higher calling that causes us to go beyond the ways of those who are blood related and seek to obey the Lord because we are Jesus related to God. As Christians we have been bought with a price and are to glorify God with our bodies. The mainstay of our earthly glorification is obedience to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Feelings are fickled. We can’t go by what we see, hear, or feel. As saints we must be led by the Spirit of God, not relatives, what we want, or even what we perceive to be right because God’s ways are higher than ours. A dying to our own selfish wants and desires is a daily and frequently a moment by moment exercise in order to effectively walk in "obedience is thicker than blood”.

It is important not to judge others too quickly rather to note what the plum line for ourselves. The standard is obeying and pleasing the Lord in accordance with His word, will, and way as set forth in the Bible. There is also revealed Word made known through the power of the Holy Spirit to our individual lives. His individual word to our specific lives will always line up with the scripture. If it does not, it is not of the Lord.

It matters not what people think or even what we think. It matters most what God thinks. We are to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ because "obedience is thicker than blood”.

Pray – Father much like the heifers of the Old Testament who went the opposite direction of the baby calves, so it must be with us in relation to everyone else. Father, may we follow hard after you to where all else dulls in comparison in Jesus name.

H2H - God is in the Details - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-24T06:02:00.001-05:00

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. (Romans 12:1 – The Message)

Last week, I originally thought there were several leaves on the ground that had started changing colors. I wondered if I would go pick up the leaves at that moment or take care of the matter later. Then the leaves began to slowly flit around to my amazement. The Lord provided 5 rather large butterflies to hover above the ground for a long while. The orange butterflies with black piping and large white polka dots around the edges of their frame were brilliant in color against the green grass and highlighted by the late afternoon glistening sun. Their presence reminded me how much God is in to details.

Days later I looked these beauties up on-line since I didn’t readily know the different types of butterflies. It turns out this family or pack of Monarch butterflies were migrating to Mexico. I praise God for allowing them to rest in our yard for a while and admire the beauty of His creation before cooking. “Embrace what God does for you.”

There is actually a Monarch Butterfly website in which they refer to this type of butterfly as “The King of Butterflies.” I love how the King of Kings would send the King of Butterflies to visit our yard. The Lord pays attention to detail and wants us to as well.

Through our ordinary everyday life, He teaches us about His ways. This happens when we slow down and pay attention to His details around us. I almost missed the blessing. To be honest, the reason I watched the butterflies with great interest was the week before the Lord had allowed a family of three deer to gallop across my path one morning while driving down a Farm to Market road. I hardly got to appreciate their beauty and gracefulness because I was so focused on a construction site that was further down the road. God wants to teach us His ways through things great and small. We must humbly pay attention to His details in our ordinary everyday lives.

Slowing down requires us to humble ourselves before God. The Lord desires to show forth His loving kindness, beauty, and truth to us. The evidence of His graciousness is in His attention to detail. As we offer up our individual lives as an offering to God and embrace Him, our everyday ordinary lives will have the touch of the Master’s hand all over it in the attention to details.

Pray – Father, I stand in awe of You. Even though the butterfly lives a very short while, you created it with great detail all for Your glory. Father, I humbly offer up my ordinary everyday life in order to embrace You completely in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Conserve Your Energy - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-21T06:45:00.000-05:00

Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late. (Mark 11:11 NASB)

Two key things to note as the next several verses unfold. When Jesus went to Jerusalem he went to the temple or church. He took a good look around the He left. Why did He leave? It was already late and Jesus and his disciples were headed to Bethany for rest. In verse 12 we see were, “On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry.”

Verse 15 causes us to take note in light of Jesus observations in the temple the previous evening when it was late. Verses 15-17 unfold the events, as Jesus returned from whence He came. “Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. 17 And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS’? But you have made it a ROBBERS’ DEN.”

Notice in verse 11 Jesus saw what the money changers were doing by desecrating the temple, yet it was already late in the day and there was need to go nearby and get some rest. The following day He returned and exerted physical strength by overturning the tables and chairs of those who made the temple a mockery then he taught the people about the purpose of the temple as a house of prayer.

There is much to be learned here. We are to conserve our energy in order to have enough strength to do the things that God calls and are pleasing in His sight. In the sense of a baseball game, not every pitch thrown is a strike. A batter does not need to swing when the pitch is a ball. So it is with our life. Not everything we want to do or that others think we should do is a strike or something God desires to take place.

Notice Jesus rested then went back and addressed the situation He saw the prior evening. Life’s energy can only be expended once. Spend it wisely and on the things that matter most in the eyes of the Lord. Life is not about our interests rather the sole interest of God. Conserve your energy for what matters most.

Pray – Father, help me to conserve energy wisely to where I am expending it on the things that matter to most to You. All of thee and none of me, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Arrested Attention - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-20T06:46:00.000-05:00

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. (Proverbs 16:20 NASB)

The definition of “arrested” in the modern Merriam Webster dictionary is defined as:
1a : to bring to a stop b : CHECK, SLOW c : to make inactive
2: SEIZE, CAPTURE; specifically : to take or keep in custody by authority of law
3: to catch suddenly and engagingly

However, the 1913 Webster’s dictionary paints a more graphic picture of the verb:
v. t. 1. To stop; to check or hinder the motion or action of; as, to arrest the current of a river; to arrest the senses. Nor could her virtues the relentless hand Of Death arrest - Philips.

2. (Law) To take, seize, or apprehend by authority of law; as, to arrest one for debt, or for a crime.

3. To seize on and fix; to hold; to catch; as, to arrest the eyes or attention.

4. To rest or fasten; to fix; to concentrate. We may arrest our thoughts upon the divine mercies. - Jer. Taylor.

v. i. 1. To tarry; to rest.
n. 1. The act of stopping, or restraining from further motion, etc.; stoppage; hindrance; restraint; as, an arrest of development. As the arrest of the air showeth. - Bacon.

3. Any seizure by power, physical or moral.
The sad stories of fire from heaven, the burning of his sheep, etc., . . . were sad arrests to his troubled spirit. - Jer. Taylor.

When we pay attention, take heed, and regard The Words of God in an arrested sense, we deliberately and with purpose slow down, fix, and lay hold of that which is good for our spirit, soul, and body. Let the Lord arrest your attention with the His words today. Slowing down, even while reading and praying to listen and heed His voice, will bring about great delight and a more intimate meaning to the things learned and shared. Father God, arrest our attention that we may be closer to and more like You.

Pray – Father, I choose to submit my attention to you. I need you more every day. Arrest my attention to where you are my focus above all else in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Great Wait by Sherry Chester

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Waiting is not passive mode of behavior. It is an active state of expectancy, believing the Lord to speak and direct at any moment. The first part of the previous verse says, this, “Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed.” This is awesome. Fleshly decisions can cause us much grief, yet shame is never a result as we wait on the Lord.

Waiting is pressing into to God, finding out His will and way.

Waiting is resting in a full and calm assurance that God is moving.

Waiting involves getting God’s direction and not ours.

Waiting seeks after the Lords ways more than His provision.

In order to be a friend of God we have to know more than what He can do rather who He is and who we are in Him as we seek His ways and nothing of our own selves. A picture of waiting looks like this “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you,” I Peter 5:6-7. Due time means there is a season of waiting, so we can relax and trust in the Lord as we humble ourselves before Him proclaiming, You alone are Lord..

Keep in mind what Proverbs 3:5-6 instruct us to do regarding trust. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” The great wait requires unconditional trust in God who is out to do us good for He loves us unconditionally.

While waiting and trusting the Lord we must bring our thoughts into captivity and obedience to Jesus Christ. Therefore Philippians 4:8 directs us in what to think upon, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble [honest], whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” The great wait is active participation and anticipation on our part to learn of God’s ways.

Pray – Father, I praise you for the opportunity to know your ways, trust you, and wait upon You, Lord. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path I will ever praise you, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Constant Companionship - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-17T06:09:00.002-05:00

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

Life is not to be controlled by activities rather the Word of God living in our hearts. What gains and holds our attention will ultimately change our lives. Jesus wants to be our constant companion today. Constant companionship takes place when we talk to one another, wait for the Lord, match our stride with His, and purposefully focus on hearing the Lord as He says, “This is the way, walk in it”.

We see by the example of Jesus during His life on earth that His only interest was that of God’s all throughout the day. There was no self interest. He had constant companionship with God because that was His focus. Therefore He was able to hear, “This is the way, walk in it,” We can hear these same words in our lives right now through constant companionship.

We also see in scripture where He awoke while it was early to be with the Lord. Then in the evening we see where Jesus pulled away from multitudes of people in order to get alone with God. Large groups of people sought after Jesus. He was in fact a busy man, yet His schedule and the pressures of what other people expected or wanted did not cause Him to lose His most vital connection which was and continues to be constant companionship with God.

It is imperative for us to develop and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It requires rearranging our schedule to accommodate His. Resist the Devil and the lie he tries to get you to accept in telling you that you don’t have time to pray. This only serves as an excuse to cover an attitude of the heart which doesn’t want to take the time to pray. This will muddle the day of rob it of purpose and companionship that fully satisfies.

At this very moment you and I are as close to God as we have chosen to be. In order to have constant companionship with someone, we have to spend time with them. God is not impressed with our activities or business. Truthfully, when we say “I’m stressed” we tell those around us that the peace of God does not control our life. Stress and peace cannot reside in the heart at the same time 1. God wants us to be still and listen, to know Him as Lord and hear “This is the way, walk in it.”

Pray – Father, I desire to be you constant companion today and for your to be mine. I want to walk and talk with you and know your ways. Be the Lord of all the kingdoms of my heart. Father, I pray for a constant hunger to be with you and talk with you through the day in reading the Bible, prayer, worship, and being still before you, in Jesus name A-men.

1 – The Balanced Life by Edwina Patterson

H2H - God's Opportunities - by Sherry Chester

2011-10-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ… (2 Peter 1:3)

My blood sister and I were talking last weekend about the people of Israel and Moses in relation to what type of relationship each had with the Lord God. Interesting enough, we know the Israelites saw God perform many miracles to deliver them out of bondage in Egypt. The Lord continued to show mercy and compassion as he protected and led them in the wilderness with a cloud by day and a pillar by night. The people ate manna from heaven and knew the provision of the Lord repeatedly. They masses were familiar with the hand of the Lord.

On the other hand Moses was familiar with the ways of the Lord. He recognized when God moved and how he moved. There was an intimacy that went far beyond provision it was about relationship, intimacy and opportunities to know God better.

I have asked the Lord to show me His ways. There have been multiple opportunities as of late to settle for His hand through answered pray. Yet if we stay in this place then we are only hanging around in the outer courts of what God has for us instead of entering into God’s opportunities to know His ways. Let’s pursue God’s opportunities rather than our own.

Looking to know God’s ways in a situation changes how we pray and respond. If you and I are not careful, even our prayers will be self centered on how something affects us. We must seek the heart of God in a matter. When we talk with God and get His heart on the matter, the perspective radically changes and lines up with His truth.

When we pray according to His will and way, God gives us opportunities to intercede and move in accordance with His word. Then our actions reflect the love of Christ instead of own fleshly desires. Seek to know God’s ways today. When we ask and wait before the Lord, He provides opportunities to hear Him, pray, and then move to be His hands and feet.

Pray – God I surrender to you the kingdoms of my heart. Father, show me Your ways that I may walk with You. The cry of my heart is to know You more. Help me to recognize the opportunities you place before me to speak the truth in love. Lord, use me to be Your hands and feet, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Agenda by Sherry Chester

2011-10-11T05:39:00.000-05:00

Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ… (2 Peter 1:3)

On the heels of God getting my attention about slowing down through a series of events tied to a ladies retreat, the Lord arrested my attention with one word in the first portion of verse 1 in 2 Peter Chapter 1. The word was and is “bond-servant.”

A word can be defined by what it means and what it does not mean. Consider Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” A bondservant is not out for man’s approval and will speak the pure words of the Lord about a situation. The word bondservant comes from the Greek word dulos meaning, “devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests.”

As believers we are not to be bound to the world’s ways, the only standard to follow is that of God’s through our Lord Jesus Christ by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Anything else is done with a selfish and impure motive that is a stench to God and will reap havoc and devastation. There is only one Savior and as a child of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, we serve Him. He does not serve or pet our whims. Rather He calls us to get in line with His will and way. His thoughts are far above ours.

A bond-servant has no other calling than to completely and willingly serve the master, not out of a sense of what might look good but what is good according to the pure words of the Lord. I Thessalonians 2:4 expounds upon this further, “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”

Consider how this reads when personalized, Sherry, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. Now insert your name into this small yet powerful and all encompassing phrase, ________, a bond-servant and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. As bondservants we will keep the precepts of the Lord and His testimonies knowing that all our ways are before Him (Psalm 119:168). We must be careful not to have our own agenda rather the Lord’s agenda.

Pray – Father, My heart stands in awe of Your words. God invade my heart. Holy Spirit take control of my life. Give me strength to speak and do the truth in love with my only focus being You, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Real Life Facts versus the Eternal Truths of God - Sherry Chester

2011-10-03T07:23:00.002-05:00

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:1-12)

It is one thing to be a Sunday morning quarterback and proclaim the goodness of God and who I am in Christ when there are no apparent troubles and the score in the board would indicates personal victories 27 and the enemy 3. It is another thing all together when all of a sudden the score switches drastically and what felt like apparent victory looks more like looming defeat. This is a pivital moment. When the enemy comes in like a flood through circumstances and trials this is the most important time to walk in God given victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Trials are not meant for our bad even though they are not comfortable and we probably spend way too much time trying to avoid them. Look at what the word of God says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,” Why should we be joyful in the midst of trials? Because God is out to do us good and cause us to look more liked Jesus, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

Endurance does not take place physically or spiritually unless it is exercised. Muscle is only when used, without exercise it turns into fat and is not useful. So it is with the things of God.

“Let endurance have its perfect result.” God is out to perfect us in His image.” Why? “So that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” We are not responsible for anyone else’s actions before God except our own. He loves you and me enough right now to desire for us to be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Let your faith be tested with Joy and look to God who is the author and finisher of your faith and ask the question. What do you want to change in me? God’s eternal truth always trumps real life facts. Make certain to look at the circumstances in light of God’s words not through feelings or temporal facts. Remember, God’s eternal truth always trumps real life facts.

Talk to God - Father, we praise you for trying our faith in order to build endurance in us. Thank you that Your desire for me is better that what I want for myself. I thank you for wanting me to be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Knowing the Truth- by Sherry Chester

2011-09-30T07:21:00.000-05:00

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

We have given our adversary the Devil entirely too much credit for what is going on in our lives. Keep in mind that our flesh is at war against our spirit. Our flesh has to be disciplined and trained on what to do and how to do it according to the word of God. This includes every area of our life from our thoughts, to our speech, and everyday actions.

I have rearranged my morning schedule in order to take better care of my personal temple of God. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have His nature and life residing on the inside of us. There is a responsibility to take care of this earth suit or shell of a body we have been given.

The breeze this morning was tremendously refreshing. As embarrassing as this is to admit, it has been a long while since I had run or even jogged. Yet this morning I found myself walking faster and somewhere along the way while talking with God, the walking turned into a slow jog. Truthfully no one could have been more surprised than me. I got winded and walked again.

Then I knew I was to run some more and immediately said, “I can’t.” God reminded me that it is in His strength we are strong. After the initial thrill of realizing I was running or at least jogging, the Lord reminded me of the importance of disciplining the flesh and running more.

You see, once the fun wore off, I was ready to stop. However, I knew the Holy Spirit was urging me to go on to certain street light far beyond my physical comfort. I purposed to do what the Lord was calling and the battle within me began. The flesh said at one point, “Oh it is OK to stop right here at the next mail box (a far cry from where I knew God wanted me to stop and walk for a while). I got closer to the destination then heard the enemy say, “Oh here a street light just ahead, stop here and you will be fine.” In the midst of the battle within me was this knowing and quiet compelling of God to reach a particular destination. However, I had to discipline my body that was now panting, desiring to slow down, and truthfully was beginning to feel pain not experienced in a while. Everything in my flesh screamed stop yet God said Go.

After this small battle and subsequent victory, I was walking before the next little jog would surely start again. Then God spoke to my heart and said, “This is how it is with my people. You and they want to hear from me. I give the instruction of what to do and then my people say, “I can’t.” They can’t but I can through them. Trust me. If I command it I can surely bring it to pass.” Know the truth. Listen to the voice of God above all else.

Talk to God - Father, Your strength is perfect and we praise you for Your goodness. Forgive me and us as a people for saying we can’t do what you have called, when we can in Your strength. We praise you for reminding us of the importance of crucifying our flesh all throughout the day in order to draw closer to you Lord. Thank you for repeated opportunities to walk in Your good in Jesus name, A-men.

2011-09-30T06:25:00.000-05:00

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8 KJV))

This morning I was reminded of something the Lord spoke to me on May 18, 2010. It is as real this morning as it was then. God gets to the heart of the matter in a rather direct way. On that night, I laid my head dead onto my favorite pillow. The Lord began to ask one question with the same beginning stem over and again. It was not an audible voice rather the gentle knowing in my heart and spirit that the Lord was speaking in the quiet moments.

Each question was consistent in pace, yet slow, and deliberate. Many were penetrating to the core of my soul. As I listened and thought about each question then gave an earnest response which required confession of sin in several instances, I found myself powerless to move and record our conversation. I stayed in His presence to hear, learn, and commune.

As I awoke this morning, the line of questioning was brought to my remembrance. Specific parts of the questioning are meant to be shared. With an earnest heart before God let’s take time and respond to the Lord with a sincerity that will be more helpful to us than to Him. He already knows the honest answer to each of these questions, do we?

Will You Love Me, Serve Me, Praise Me, When

Will you love me, serve me, praise me, when
the chips are down and you feel closer to the ground then anything else around?

Will you love me, serve me, praise me, when
every thing is going your way and things seem to be OK?

Will you love me, serve me, praise me, when
persecution comes even from those within –
whose love will matter to you most then?

Will you love me, serve me, praise me, when
blessing and prosperity overflow with comfort and entertainment from filthy TV shows?

Will you love me, serve me, praise me, when
life doesn’t produce what you dreamed, will you still follow me now and eternally?

Purification and sanctification without self justification is the place we need to be as saints of God both you and me…

Pray – Father, purify my heart. Let me be as pure gold before you. Remove the dross to where people only see Your love and what was purchased on the cross…

H2H - Stay Focused - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-23T07:29:00.000-05:00

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:8-9)

If there is a longing in your soul this morning or a twinge that something is not altogether right between You and the Lord, and there is not unconfessed sin standing in the way, then its time to refocus. As the redeemed of the Lord we are supposed to “say so.” The earlier part of this Psalm reminds us in verse 2, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”

Part of staying focused is the resolve to speak about things that matter most. As the “redeemed of the Lord” we are to tell the Lord and others what we are thankful for because His goodness and works are wonderfully terrific. If we do not stay focused, you and I begin to take His marvelous works for granted. As a people, we are instructed to give the Lord thanks.

There is a direction correlation between being thankful to the Lord and Him satisfying the longing of our souls. A saved heart should be a grateful heart. If we truly have an “attitude of gratitude” we will not be able to keep it to ourselves. When we are really excited about something we want to tell everyone. Our conversation is focused. Stay focused on God by showing forth His praises by being thankful.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God so it is important to note when something is repeated especially when it is restated 4 times in one chapter. So it is with verse 8 that says, ”Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” We are given this exact same instruction again in verses 15, 21, and 31.

It is imperative that we stay focused and thank God for all He has, is, and will do in things great and small. If your soul is longing for fulfillment as a born again believer in Jesus Christ then stay focused. Deliberately and with great purpose get thankful.

Talk to God – Father, You are great and You do miracles so great. I thank you for life, my next breath, and the fact that You are the one who fill my mouth with laughter so that I thirst no more for things of this world. You are my strength and joy and I am grateful for your grace and mercy that is new every morning. Hallelujah! In Jesus name I praise and will thank you all the day long – A-men.

Unless otherwise noted, scripture is taken from the New King James Version (NKJV)

2011 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™

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H2H - Arrested Attention - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-22T07:40:00.002-05:00

And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, [Paul and his traveling companions] if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. (Acts 13:15 - with bracket information added for clarification purposes)

There have been moments as of late when a single word or even a portion of a Bible verse will arrest my spirit, soul, and body. When using the word “arrested”, please remember the word’s meaning in this sense as it is to “catch suddenly and engagingly.”

The Spirit of God seeks to engage us and can do this suddenly like no one or nothing else ever can. Such was the case as the pastor of my home church share several verses from Acts 13 including today’s verse. After he read verse 15 last night he said, “There are irrevocable moments in which we will never get to share the gospel again.”

Hold that thought as we revisit the backdrop of Acts 13:15. In the previous verse we see where it was the Sabbath day. The people went to the Synagogue and were seated. Their attention was turned, ready, and poised to hear “the reading of the Law and the Prophets.” After reading the scripture the leaders addressed Paul and said, “if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

The pivital word here is “IF” you have a word of exhortation speak it now. The only way to have a word from the Lord to encourage others is IF we have taken the time to get before the Lord and have His words coming forth not our own. The Lord reminded me again this morning of the importance to “draw all people to Jesus no to self.”

It is in the quiet moments of readying and studying The Holy Bible and communing with God that we receive words to share. We have a responsibility to know God’s heart by reading The Bible because “There are irrevocable moments in which we will never get to share the gospel again.” If we are not ready, then you and I have nothing to share.

Another one of those one liner sentences that arrested my attention was “Get Acoustical with God.” Turn off the electronics (TV, Laptop, iPad, iPod, Netbooks, Notebooks, and any other electronic gadget out there). Open the Bible and being to read it one word at a time. Read until God ministers to your heart. Let Jesus arrest your attention today then He will give you the word of exhortation at the right moment. We do not want to live knowing that we have passed up irrevocable moments to share the gospel of Jesus Christ because we had not let Jesus arrest our attention.

Talk to God – Father, we praise you that Your word does not return void. Arrest our attention so that we may draw all men unto You through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

H2H - Walk This Way - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-21T07:24:00.000-05:00

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

God wants you to know the truth this morning more than you may want to know it yourself. He is steadfastly pointing the way. The enemy will use tactics such as condemnation, fear, and procrastination to keep us from the real truth aboutthe direction the Lord wants us to take for our individual lives.

What other people think should be of little to no consequence. Listen to the Spirit of the Lord your God as He directs your path today. There is a path or road that is right for you. Second guessing or consensus of a group of friends is not the way to get there. Remember, you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

God is saying to us this moment, be still and know that I am God. Focus on me and I will direct your path. There is nothing tricky to this type of guidance. It requires a simple child like trust and total abandonment to do nothing except what God wants. He is out to do you good, real good.

Respond quickly, deliberately, and emphatically when you hear the words from the Lord, “This is the way walk ye in it.” The direction will always line up with scripture and will provide a place of rest and contentment like no other even in the midst of storms in this life. Walk this way, in the way of the Lord.

Talk to God – Father, thank you that You have a good plan for my life and are leading me in paths of righteousness even now. Lord, I love how you lead, guide, and direct and help me to know Your perfect will. Keep drawing me closer to you, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Happily Ever After or Holiness Ever After by Sherry Chester

2011-09-20T07:23:00.000-05:00

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. (Isaiah 35:8)

In visiting with a friend and mentor yesterday the individual asked me a question that continued to resurface throughout the day and did so again throughout my quiet time this morning with God. In this particular case we were talking about marriage and the question posed was this, “What if marriage is not about living happily ever after rather living a life of holiness ever after?” My immediate response was I wanted to be happily ever after. Many if not most women regardless of their age seem to buy into the fairy tale statement of “happily ever after” yet in a life hid in Christ it is so much more.

If we are not careful, we glamorize the life of Jesus during his ministry on earth and diminish the fact that He came to do only the will of the Father. Personal happiness was not the consideration, pleasing His Heavenly Father was the only consideration.

Whether we speak of marriage, raising a family, work, ministry, the economy, friends, or hobbies this same line of questioning is present for all our choices. Do we choose to seek personal happiness or the way of holiness? Decisions based on happiness are fickled and fleeting with the arrival of every new feeling or circumstance. Holiness is based on God’s will and motives in each situation not that of our own fleshly choosing and comfort.

God calls us to live a life of holiness in every area of life. Just like Jesus our only concern is to do the will of the Father. We see this in John 6:38 were our Savior says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” Satan has a counterfeit of every real thing the Lord seeks for us to experience to the fullest as born again believers. Our personal happiness should never supersede holiness. We do well to remember why we are here. Just like Jesus we are here to do the will of The One who sends us out as the redeemed of the Lord. Never settle for happiness rather seek holiness in all things which will provide an everlasting joy. Our “ever after” depends on it.

Talk to God – Father, Your holiness is what I long for. Forgive me for seeking after shallow happiness in things when you are after so much more. Lord, make me an instrument of worship and holy obedience that is pleasing to You in all things, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Stay Focused - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-16T07:35:00.000-05:00

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:8-9)

If there is a longing in your soul this morning or a twinge that something is not altogether right between You and the Lord, and there is not unconfessed sin standing in the way, then its time to refocus. As the redeemed of the Lord we are supposed to “say so.” The earlier part of this Psalm reminds us in verse 2, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”

Part of staying focused is the resolve to speak about things that matter most. As the “redeemed of the Lord” we are to tell the Lord and others what we are thankful for because His goodness and works are wonderfully terrific. If we do not stay focused, you and I begin to take His marvelous works for granted. As a people, we are instructed to give the Lord thanks.

There is a direction correlation between being thankful to the Lord and Him satisfying the longing of our souls. A saved heart should be a grateful heart. If we truly have an “attitude of gratitude” we will not be able to keep it to ourselves. When we are really excited about something we want to tell everyone. Our conversation is focused. Stay focused on God by showing forth His praises by being thankful.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God so it is important to note when something is repeated especially when it is restated 4 times in one chapter. So it is with verse 8 that says, ”Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” We are given this exact same instruction again in verses 15, 21, and 31.

It is imperative that we stay focused and thank God for all He has, is, and will do in things great and small. If your soul is longing for fulfillment as a born again believer in Jesus Christ then stay focused. Deliberately and with great purpose get thankful.

Talk to God – Father, You are great and You do miracles so great. I thank you for life, my next breath, and the fact that You are the one who fill my mouth with laughter so that I thirst no more for things of this world. You are my strength and joy and I am grateful for your grace and mercy that is new every morning. Hallelujah! In Jesus name I praise and will thank you all the day long – A-men.

H2H - Grace in the Midst of Stress and Pressure - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-15T07:32:00.001-05:00

“And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” (2 Corinthians 6:1 NASB)

Often times we flower up what the grace of God means. It does not imply all is going well. Grace is God’s unmerited favor in the midst of the drudgery and in the pressures of everyday life. Throughout chapter 6 in 1 Corinthians Paul openly describes outward hardships yet inward grace abounding being more than sufficient to overcome.

In a society where information and electronic devices push and pull for our attention with an exponential amount of information, added pressures, instantaneous responses expected, and accelerated deadlines as a bonus - the grace of God still abounds! This is when we must remain true to God in the thick of the fiery trials regardless of there shape, form, or fashion in our individual lives.

Consider the encouragement found in Acts 11:23 – “Then when he arrived and witnessed [literally saw] the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord” We have the opportunity to remain true to the Lord regardless of what circumstances come our way.

Purpose in your heart to no nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (I Corinthians 2:2) when the heat is turned up by circumstances and even when there is no apparent pressure. Continue in the grace of God. Let your individual and our collective lives abound and testify of the grace of God above all else.

In The Love of God, Oswald Chambers wrote, “ The fiery furnaces are there by God’s direct permission. It is misleading to imagine that we are developed in spite of our circumstances – we are developed because of them. It is mastery in circumstances that is needed, not mastery over them. We have to manifest the graces of the spirit among things as they are, not to wait for the Millennium.” Remember, grace is full reliance upon the Lord.

I bless you this day with Acts 20:32 (NASB), “…I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

H2H - Minsters of Reconciliation - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-14T07:33:00.000-05:00

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Just as God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself so it is today. Think about the great lengths God went through to redeem you and me to Himself. This should be mind-boggling and cause us to stop in utter awe and wonder at the power and majesty of God. God made the way to forgive us of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Isn’t He wonderful?!

The take note of the following two verses, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)

God’s desire is for us to be imitators of Jesus Christ to where God is beseeching others to come to Him through our thoughts, actions, and words. There is no greater aim than to help others be reconciled to God.

The word reconcile make us think of other similar words such as to bring together, reunite, or even merge together. It is rather difficult to proclaim the love of God and the Ultimate Reconciliation if we are not willing settle, make things right, and square away relationships with family, once dear friends, and co-workers.

It is time to make a concerted effort to resolve, reunite, and make amends with people were relationships need to be restored. In order to be a minister of reconciliation you and I must practice what we preach. Let’s get it right today.

Pray – Father, the sacrifice of reconciliation You and Jesus paid is so immense and intense that I want to thank you for loving me so very much in order that I could be rightly related to You. Since you loved me in my wrong doing and still wanted to be rightly related to me, help me to demonstrate that same type of unconditional love to others so that they too will want to be reconciled to You, in Jesus name, A-men.name, A-men.

Battles and Blessings - by Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-09-13T07:27:00.000-05:00

"Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" says your God. I come to give you words of encouragement and comfort. "Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death." Proverbs 8:32-36.

Life is filled with battles. We are going through, or will be going through a battle. Do we let our battles conqueror us? Or do we, with the help of God, conqueror each battle as it comes? We do have a Helper. His name is Jesus.

Luke 10:27,28 "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself. And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."

These are God's instructions for LIFE - for our life! To obtain life, real life, abundant life requires us to do our part. It begins with a step of faith and obedience. Take God at His word. It requires us to take hold of something we cannot see with our eyes or grasp with our fingers.

We must decide to turn our will (deliberate determination, desire, purposefulness, deliberate intention, self control, discipline, or to choose), our life, and our actions over to God. It begins with out very thought process. Ask for God to help you change your thinking. We all know what "stinking thinking" is. As we continue to come before God, seeking His face, He will change our desires, our thoughts. Our thought will turn more and more toward Him, and His goodness, His desire for our life.

God's instruction is clear -

 Watch, daily at My gates - spend time in God's Word. Talk to Him... then listen to Him.

 Wait- Rest in God's word. Don't get ahead of what God is doing in your life.

 v35- For whoever finds Me, finds Life - that's you and me ~

 We can have real life... not just "go through the motions."

Do these things... and you will obtain favor from the Lord! Who doesn't want that? And in the process, you will fall in love with our Savior, our Friend, our Father like never before. v36- Whoever rebels/ sins against God wrongs his own soul "All those who hate Me. love death" Proverbs 8:36.

Do we choose life or death? Have you made a decision to turn your will and your life over to the care of God? "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her" Proverbs 3:13, 14, 18 ~

The disciple of the Lord is the other side of His grace. We should cherish God’s correction in our lives, because God disciples those He loves. Psalm 119:50 “ This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me Life!

Please pray with me ~ Thank you Lord, for Your great and unfathomable love for me. Forgive me for trying to fight the battles of this life on my own. I need You Lord, to fight these battles for me. Help me to learn to watch daily at Your gates, to spend time alone with You, and talk to You… and slow down long enough to listen for Your voice. Help me to be obedient to Your calling. Speak to me Lord. Show me Your ways. Help me to wait on You, not to run ahead, or lag behind, but to walk with your hand in mine. May I no longer just “go through the motions” but have a real, meaningful relationship with You, that will forever change my life. Help me to see myself as You see me. Lord, make me more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

H2H - The Instruction Continued... - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

Now the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying, “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” (I Samuel15:10-11)

In verse three of this same chapter we read where God gave Saul specific instructions about utterly destroying the all of the Amelikites, their animals and plunder. By verse 9 it becomes apparent that Saul went to destroyed all of the people except king Agag and then let the soldiers keep the good stuff from the land and destroyed the things that were unclean and worthless.

Afterwards God tell Samuel he regrets making Saul King because he did not following his with his whole heart. You see, Saul did go to battle, he destroyed most of what God said to do yet he only obey halfhearted. He justified what he did to Samuel by saying, “oh we are going to sacrifice the sheep to the Lord as an offering.” Saul tried to make it sound like some great gesture when in reality it was disobedience.

The prophet Samuel goes to talk with Saul and in verse 22, “Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”

As I read this passage more than once recently, I became painfully aware of how you and I can be like Saul. God called for something really straightforward and specific. We head toward doing the thing God called. Perhaps, like Saul, we even have a good start and yet somewhere along the way we would prefer to put our own spin on it and do something a little different. Then when asked about our obedience we hold up what we perceive to be not only obedience but sacrifice and expect God to like it when in fact, we grieve Him immensely due to our rebellion and sin.

Remember, God is the one who appointed Saul as king over Israel when the people wanted a ruler like everyone else. Yet God is also the one who ripped the kingdom away from Saul when he would not follow the commandments of the Lord with his whole heart. May we be faithful with what God gives us so He does not have to take things away from us in order to allow someone else to follow after him whole heartedly in our stead or place..

Pray – Father, forgive me when I have followed you half heartedly. It grieves me to think about what you have had to get someone else to do because I have not been fully obedient. Lord, my desire is to follow hard after you in whatever you say. Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right and steadfast spirit in me to Your glory and honor in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Instruction - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:57-59)

There are days when in the natural things look impossible even when you know God has ordained certain things to take place. This is the perfect time to say, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I have personally had several of those days within the past few weeks. Yesterday was one such day where I got up earlier than usual in order to meet deadlines at hand. The Lord reminded me of this passage of scripture in which I reminded Him of it all throughout the day and again this morning because when our back is up against a wall, yet we are still willing and obedient “to do the work of the Lord”, He supplies the strength and power needed to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” This is true for work inside the home, at a job, or even running errands.

I went to bed thinking about the goodness of God and arose earlier this morning than usual with the same overwhelming need to say, … thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our 6 kids and grandkids, soon to be 7, from Tennessee rolled in after 5:00PM yesterday and needed to leave before 6:00AM this morning. At 3:45 AM I was making Banana Nut bread as quietly as I knew how, yet one daughter is an extremely light sleeper. She woke up and over the next few hours our casual and relaxed conversations focused on the goodness of the Lord, what He had being showing each of us individually, then commenting on how the Lord seemed to be showing the collective body of Christ our desperate need for Him.

Now making Banana Nut bread before daylight did not seem to be an “anointed” task per say; however, I was steadfast in making sure sausage, coffee, and snack bags full of raisons where ready for the grandkids in order to finish their journey to a wedding celebration. In the midst of being “steadfast,” God showed up and moved through our conversations knitting us closer together not only as Mother and Daughter, but friends, and Daughters of the Most High God. Even the most menial tasks are not in vain. God used this as a precious time of sharing and building one another up in our most holy faith. Remember our “labor is not in vain,” not even in the cooking and cleaning. :)

Date Night With God - Willing? - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-09-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

“And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed. Immediately the leprosy left him” Luke 5:12,13.

I have come back to this scripture again. Each time we spend time in God’s word, He reveals something new to us. We may have read a particular verse or heard it many times, but then God sheds His light on in a different manner.

This man had to be bold. He was asking Jesus to touch him, if He was willing to make him clean. He was asking for the healing touch of Jesus. Many people sought Jesus’ healing touch. The blind, the lame, even loved ones of those that had died sought the healing and restoration of the only One who could do such a thing. Word had spread about this Man, named Jesus.

He asked Jesus, if He was willing to touch him. This man had a disease that others shunned. They were isolated from the rest of society.

Jesus was willing to touch the “untouchable”. Others feared touching a leper for they too could become infected with this life altering and painful disease. Jesus immediately responded to this man’s question, by reaching out to this man, and touching him. As He touched him, Jesus said, “I am willing.”

He has done the same in my life. He was willing to touch a sinner such as I. Jesus never hesitates to touch us and restore us when seek Him and His healing touch. It does not matter what sin is in our life. We may have made choices that have alienated us from our own family and friends. Maybe they are not there supporting you as they once were. Jesus reaches out to each one of us today. He is there to heal broken hearts and broken families. He is there to heal you of the shame of things you cannot even share with another person. Jesus is in the healing business. He desires to make us whole again, just like the man with leprosy. Just ask Him. Are you willing to take the chance? Our Father desires to make you whole again.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Today I need Your healing touch in my life. Thank You that You are willing to meet me where I am. Lord, Clean me. Make me whole. Today, I turn over the ________________ in my life. Replace it with a hunger and thirst to know You more. May today be a new beginning. Reveal Yourself to me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

Now, speaking to other brothers and sisters in Christ, have we followed Jesus’ example? Are we willing to reach out to those God brings into our path and love and minister to them? Look around. Ask our Father. He will bring hurting people into your path. Then show them the love that Jesus has shown you. Do not be afraid. We have a Helper. The Holy Spirit will love through you. Are you willing?

Father,
Forgive me for not being willing to follow Your lead in my life. Help me and show me how to love others through You. Holy Spirit, let Your Love flow through me to hurting people You bring into my path. I pray for Your boldness to do what You have called me to do. Help me to follow your example. Thank You Father, for Your goodness. Thank You for Your touch on my life and the change You have made in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

H2H - Perfume and Friends - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-07T07:20:00.001-05:00

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. (Proverbs 27:9)

It makes me smile to read this verse. The Lord God knows perfume brings joy to the heart. He is wonderful to care about even the pleasure of perfume.

There are many different types of perfumed fragrances. The ones that are clear in color have a light, fresh clean smell. Perfumes of medium color provide a more sweet scent. Typically the darker the color, the stronger the aroma is of the perfume. This knowledge makes it easier to find your preference when shopping.

In the same verse, where we see why women enjoy perfume and men like cologne, there is a striking comparison to the goodness of a friend who will provide earnest counsel. The Message Bible says a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

It matters what type of friends you have and it makes a difference what type of friend you are to others. Notice in Psalm 141:5 is says, Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; it is oil upon the head; do not let my head refuse it… A true friend will speak the truth to you in love. Conversely you will do the same for them. In this verse we see the word “oil” again just as in Proverbs 27:9 where the word speaks of oil and perfume. Godly hearty counsel of a true friend is desirable and pleasant.

Let’s further define “hearty counsel” of a friend. This will help you recognize earnest counsel among friends and cause you to be a better friend to others. The Contemporary English Version of the Bible restates Proverbs 27:9 as follows, the sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still.

The heart felt counsel of a true friend will look, sound and act like Colossians 4:6, Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Remember the different scents and colors of perfume? So it is with friendships, each one is unique with a different aroma. Ask God to help you be gracious. Only then can anyone know how to adequately respond to another individual.

In addition to being gracious, 2 Timothy 4:2 serves as a reminder to, preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. A true friend “that loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17) will be one who relentlessly deals with you in this manner. While you enjoy the fragrances of wonderful perfumes, take time to relish true friendships that encourage you to strengthen your relationship and walk with the Lord.

Pray – Father, help my speech to be full of Your grace and loving kindness. I desire to be a better friend to others with great patience, instruction, and hearty counsel. Cause me to enjoy perfume and friends in deeper ways than I have known before in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Inquire - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-06T07:31:00.002-05:00

… David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (NKJV)

Inquire of the Lord so your thoughts and steps may be established.

Pray – Father, real strength comes from You alone. Help me to hear and obey Your voice above all else that tugs for attention this day in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Deadly Deception - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-05T07:27:00.000-05:00

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV)

Notice verse five, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” This verse has been one of meditation now for several weeks. We live in a society where Bibles, study books, preachers and teachers abound in every sort of media possible to where we are on information overload regarding access. Yet the fundamental question remains as to whether it is information or revelation? It is wonderful to have God work through us, the fundamental concern is to be is He having His way in us? Do you and I allow the Lord to make changes within our hearts that can be seen in the everyday actions of our lives.

One of my more reverent fears before the Lord is, “don’t allow me to read and study to gain understanding of you and then be one not to implement what I know. Knowledge is nothing unless it makes it into the heart, renews the mind and transforms my everyday actions. In the “Bait of Satan,” John Bevere succinctly describes such a deadly deception within the church:

Notice that they will have a form of godliness or “Christianity,” but they will deny its power. How will they deny its power? They deny Christianity can change them from being unforgiving to forgiving. They will boast of being followers of Jesus and proclaim their “new birth” experience, but what they boast of has not been allowed to pierce their hearts and bring forth the character of Christ.

You and I are to allow the Lord to make changes within our hearts that can be seen in the everyday actions of our lives. God alone has the power to change and transform us into the image of His son Jesus Christ through the unfailing power of the Holy Spirit. We must cooperate with our heavenly Father or we too will be guilty of a most deadly deception, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Pray – Father, help me not to be deceived by wolves in sheeps clothing. Cause me to know Your truth for it alone will set me free and cause me to be what You desire. Help me to go far beyond preaching and teaching Your word to living it out consistently hour by hour day in and day out. I praise You Lord, for You alone are worthy in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - It's a Matter of Perspective - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-02T06:58:00.001-05:00

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 43:5)

We see this same type of question asked in Psalm 42:11 and 43:5 “Why are you cast down or in despair, O my soul?” Hope in God and wait expectantly on Him. You and I must deliberately call to remembrance that “the joy of the Lord is our strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10). We can rejoice greatly on purpose with deliberate action because our joy is not self generated. What a relief! Joys come from “The Source” and causes delight generated from the power of the Lord of Hosts. It’s all a matter of perspective and there is a deliberate decision to be made on our part.

Consider the verses we have been given to make our boast in the Lord…

Psalm 71:14 - But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.
Lamentations 3:24 - The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”
Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

It seems as though this has been a common strand in what has been shared time and again recently. Therefore, we know God wants to take us up higher and give you and me a different perspective, which is His perspective.

James 1:16-18 reminds us not to be tripped up by our own attitudes, dispositions, or perspectives “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” Fruit is birthed by faith. Hope is a lifeline to faith. If something looks or seems hopeless today start praising God and boldly declare, “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, the glory and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3) There is goodness and stability found in the Lord as we place out hope and trust in Him. What’s your perspective today?

Talk to God – Father God, You are my hope, shield, peace, and place of refuge. I praise You for hiding me under Your shadow Lord to where there is real hope, comfort, and safety found in You. I praise You that Your word does not return void and that you are continually changing us from glory to glory in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, A-men..

Unless otherwise noted, scripture is taken from the New King James Version (NKJV)

2011 © - Sherry Chester – Radiant Life Publishing™

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Date Night With God - Forgiveness And Making Amends - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-09-01T21:58:00.005-05:00

"The LORD is my shepherd" Psalm 23:1 ~ The Lord is my Shepherd. He corrects and rebukes me. He keeps me in line. He LOVES me. He picks me up when I fall. He carries me when I cannot stand. He gives me rest when I am weary. He wipes away my tears when I cry. He laughs with me. He comforts me. He protects me. He gives me strength for the journey. He - Jesus is my everything. He sings over me. He LOVES me. He LOVES you ~

WE all make mistakes. We all make bad choices. Choices involve action on our part. In the very same way, Forgiveness requires action on our part.

I don’t know anyone that likes to be offended by another person’s actions. I also do not know a soul that doesn’t want to be forgiven when they are in the wrong. That is kind of an oxy-moron, isn’t it?

How quickly we want to overlook our own wrong choices, whether in action, words or just in thought that only we know about. How quickly we desire forgiveness when we are humbled.

How quickly do we forgive other people? Or do we hold on to the anger stirred up? Do we cling to the pain or anger that we feel, not letting go? Do we ant to make that person “pay” for how they have hurt you?

We all need to be held accountable for injustice, and for the painful actions we have taken.

On the other hand we must let go of the revenge. Revenge will eat up your happiness and our peace.

'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD” Leviticus 19:18.

For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." Hebrews 10:30.

Yes, we must stand for what is right, but let God care of the outcome.

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” Psalm 86:5.

I thank God for His mercy and His grace.

I thank God for His forgiveness.

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” Matthew 6:14.

Forgiveness and freedom has been paid for by the Loving Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord is waiting. He wants to set you free!

As we come to God with a humble and contrite spirit, remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin, healing can begin.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:19-21.

We can start experiencing our heavenly treasures now. It requires a day by day effort on our part. Begin by “dying to ourselves” and our own selfish desires (which include repaying hurt that we have experienced). It’s not impossible.

Take one day at a time. It doesn’t mean you don’t forget what may have happened. These experiences can be used to help others through similar situations and pain. This is not said lightly.

Speaking personally from deep hurts and things that should not happen to anyone, there is FREEDOM and PEACE when we let go and give our hurts and pain to God.

Father,
Thank You that You have freely forgiven me. The best that I can be is as filthy rags in Your sight, yet You love me with an unending Love. Father, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Give me Your eyes to see into eternity and the plan You have for me.
Thank You Father, and I love You!!!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen

H2H - The Eternal Reign - by Sherry Chester

2011-09-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.

5 Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever. (Psalm 93:1-5)

The focus is all about the Lord and His kingship. He rules and reigns with equity. His majesty, His strength, His splendor are far beyond compare. Uprightness is the scepter of His kingdom. Even if we ponder the beauty of these descriptions with the most vivid of imaginations, it dulls in comparison to the absolute awesomeness of God Almighty.

Notice in verses 3 and 4, regarding the description of how noisy a flood can be. Think of flooding that has been witnessed through personal experience or via media in the US and throughout the world. Flooding waters have an immense power and yet God is more powerful than the mightiest Tsunami or ravishing waters. There is no one like the Lord in power who can calm the tumult of the people or who can cause the mountains and rivers to be joyful and clap their hands (Psalm 65:7, and 98:1)

The testimonies of the Lord are certain and absolute. The eternal reign of the Lord will endure forever. Let us think on the sheer excellence of the Lord as found in Psalm 19:7-10, The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Talk to God – Father God, Your precepts are right and they are a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. You are far more desirable than the greatest of riches. Your instruction provides perfect warnings and you alone calm the noisome pestilence and I praise You for Your great works in Jesus name, A-men!

H2H - Focused = by Sherry Chester

2011-08-31T07:35:00.000-05:00

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:1-7)

As believers, we often focus on walking in the spirit and living a life of holiness unto the Lord. If we are not careful the focus can get centered on our futile attempts to live right rather than giving glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who is deserving of all praise, adoration, and honor. The focus is not to be inward rather upward. An inward focus causes us to be overly self reflective. The best reflection is on how great the Lord God is in all He says and does.

Reflection is to be upward. We do this as we deliberately rejoice and are glad in the God of our salvation whether our flesh feels like praising the Lord or not. We have the opportunity to give thanks to the Lord because His mercy endures forever. Think about the Lord and His unfailing kindness that has brought you through much. When our focus is turned from living right to fellowshipping with the Lord, then the relationship becomes sweet and fresh.

Look for things to be grateful for today and deliberately praise the Lord for his goodness and unfailing kindness. Tell the Lord how good He is then tell somebody else! You declarative statement will encourage and bless someone else while giving glory to God. Deliberately look for ways to talk about the goodness of God then you will find a peaceful joy in the midst of it all because your focus is centered on what matter most.

Talk to God – Father, how wonderful to think on Your goodness. The mountains and valleys declare You are Lord and I proclaim Your goodness right along with them. Your love and compassion are endless. Your kindness and longsuffering is a comfort, even Your correction is pleasant because of Your unfailing love toward me. I praise You Lord for You are faithful, good, and just all the time. Holy Spirit what a comfort You are. Jesus your spender is majestic and we worship You for who Your are.

H2H - Right Thinking and Speaking - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

The format of devotions may vary a little this week while I am at different computers and on the road some. God keeps reminding me over and over to do what we know to do. Sometimes we move right passed the very basic things and act as though they are not important, yet the basics make all the difference when desiring to live a life of victory unto the Lord...

Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved. (Proverbs 16:12)

Whatever you think on is ultimately going to be what comes out of your mouth. It is why we are admonished to, Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). Purposefully get a hold of your thoughts today. What does God say about you and the situations surrounding your life?

Our thoughts begin with ourselves and work out to others. If you have had a low opinion of yourself, stop it today. See yourself as God sees you. You are loved. So think differently and act accordingly. When you think different your words and attitudes will change as well.

The same is true for what you think and how you respond to others. Do not look at external appearances? They can be incredibly deceiving. Look at a person’s life. What type of fruit are they bearing? We do not speak against people. We are told to speak with righteous lips.

There are moral absolutes with God. Think and speak only those things which hold true to the plumb line of God. His word has not changed with time, people have. When you speak the truth, there is love and appreciation from those who matter most.

Acknowledge and speak righteousness. Think the way your King of Kings and Lord of Lords would respond and act accordingly. The real love so many people look for can be only be found when one chooses to walk in righteousness. All others efforts at love fall short, pursue peace and righteousness and at that place called “there” irrevocable love will abound.

Pray – Father God, help me to think, speak and act according to your word today. Show me how to consistently speak of things that are pleasing to you. You love is better than all else. I choose this day to think, speak and act according to your word.

Date Night With God - Amending And Mending - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-08-26T18:00:00.001-05:00

"I have also sent to you all My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, 'Turn now everyone from his evil way, amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them; then you will dwell in the land which I have given you and your fathers.' But you have not inclined your ear, nor obeyed Me” Jeremiah 35:13.

Seeking our own selfish way. That is the way of the world. Seek whatever it is that is pleasing to us – whatever is right in our own eye.

The Lord allowed me to go down my own selfish, destructive path years ago. In the end, it destroyed many things in my life. It destroyed relationships with the most important and dear people in my life.

God has a way of allowing us free will. As we walk in the will of our own choosing, whatever it is, it usually leads to a form of destruction.

In seeking happiness, as the world prescribes it, in the long run we will find unhappiness and lack of fulfillment.

But as we turn our lives around and turn our will over to God, getting out of the way and allowing Jesus to lead us, there is healing. He will show us true joy and peace.

This still requires something of you and I though. Yes, the price was paid on the cross for our sins, but we have to walk out this life of redemption.

It isn’t easy. It is challenging. But the effort it takes on our part fades compared to the reward that awaits us.

One of the things we need to do as we go through the restoration process is make amends with those in our lives we have harmed.

This challenges us down to the core of who we are. Do we honestly believe Jesus paid the price for our sins? Did He forgive us of the horrible things we have done? It doesn’t matter if it is a matter of living a lie (lying to ourselves, or others) or what the world would call the worst sin.
Or have we been forgiven of living a rebellious life outwardly by our actions not only to God but to our family, loved ones and friends?

Once we have asked God’s forgiveness, we also need to seek forgiveness and make amends to those we have harmed, unless it does more harm.

Yes …. That is our part. It’s not easy. You may be received and forgiven or the very ones you are seeking forgiveness from may reject you. That doesn’t matter.

Take time. Pray about it. Ask God to provide the right opportunity, the right time, and the right heart.

Do not be offended or angered if you are shunned. We are to do our part, and let God do the rest. We don’t always see the outcome.

How can we make amends? Pray, too about this. God will provide the perfect way and the perfect time.

Years ago, the Lord began pricking my heart about making amends with my ex-husband, father of my children about my unfaithfulness and the harm that I had done to our marriage and our family. The time had come. I knew what I had to do. Yes, I was scared and knew very well my apology may not be accepted. I had no idea what reaction I was going to face. But, late one evening the Lord impressed upon on my heart that NOW was the time. Sweaty hands and heart pounding, I picked up the phone. That night I was broken in spirit for what I had done. It didn’t matter what he had done. All I knew was that I needed to try to make things “right”, and make amends. I could not undo the things I had already done or the things I had already said, but I shared what God had put on my heart. That night, mending began to take place. After I shared what God had put in my heart, he also shared some things on his heart and apologized for specific things. That marriage was not repaired. We each had remarried, but it was the beginning of repair nonetheless.

God then was able to repair relationship with my children in a new way.

All this happened by God’s design. He is in the restoration and healing business.

Even if you are left with unresolved issues with someone who has passed, give it to the Lord. Talk to Him. Once we unload our mistakes or disasters on this life from choices we have made, and God’s Light shines on the situation, then healing can begin.

Give God a chance. Give it to Him, then watch God at work.

I can look back at that time in my life about eleven years ago. God has brought me through the valleys and has directed my path.

Won’t you let Him direct yours?

Jesus made amends, paying the price for our sin on the cross willingly so that we can be reconciled with God.

He paid the price in FULL. He laid His life down in place of yours and mine.

He made a Way. He is the Way. Let Him mend your life today.

Father,
Thank You that You made a Way for me when there seemed to be no way. Lord, I need Your power to make amends to those I have hurt and betrayed. Lord, I pray for the appointed time. Father, give me the words. Help me to be bold in You. Give me the right heart in which to do this. I pray for healing in relationships. Thank You for making amends for me.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen

H2H - When in Doubt - Wait - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-25T07:22:00.002-05:00

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5 NASB)

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ our heart’s desire is to know the ways of the Lord. However, waiting for and before the Lord does not always come easy. Yet “waiting” is the missing ingredient for what individual lives need for victory and what the church as a whole desperately needs today.

The enemy recognizes the need to push us with decisions, time crunches, and pressure to do or outdo yesterday’s performance. Many wear the word “busy” as though it were a badge of honor or a crown of distinction. In reality, it is often a pitfall used by the enemy to keep the saints from waiting on God.

The Lord is trying to get our attention. He is saying, “Wait Up.” In a Bible I had read out of last year there was an introductory segment before the passage of scripture along with a brief “Your Daily Walk Quote.” One of the quotes stuck with me and is worth sharing again. “The man or woman used of God is simply not the first to act, but the first to listen.” [1/6/9/]

Let’s read it again and Selah (pause and think about this).

“The man or woman used of God is simply not the first to act,

but the first to listen.”

Psalm 40:1 paints a beautiful description of what it looks like to wait up on God, “I waited patiently for the LORD; ad He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1) When we wait upon God, this is something we do with patience. We do not have to get anxious or over wrought with fear or worry. Our responsibility is to wait. God is in control not us.

In reality it is easier on the flesh to go, go, go, then do, and act rather than to be disciplined enough to wait then move in harmony and concert with God. However, moving on our own accord reaps destruction every time. Waiting on the Lord produces righteousness, peace, hope and joy.

God does not sleep nor does he slumber. He is always on time. Trusting the Lord is the willingness to “wait up” on Him. Take great encouragement today in Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Teach us Lord to wait.

Prayer – Lord, show me how to wait upon you. Hear I am with listening ears Lord; ready to do your will, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Highest Compliment - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-24T07:26:00.000-05:00

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalm 9:9-10 NKJV).

There is a need to share this devotion again because if we are not careful, as humans we get our eyes off of the eternal and onto the immediate. I pray for you today and that your relationship with Jesus Christ will be more intimate than ever before. May your time and fellowship with God throughout the day be sweet and serve as a continual encouragement to keep on walking by faith and not by sight. You are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

These two verses above offer comfort, hope, and encouragement as God is a shelter from the storms of life. Then notice The Word says, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You”. The highest compliment to pay God is to know His name and trust in Him above ALL else.

Over time I’ve had opportunity to participate in some leadership courses. The first memorable one was a ROPES course. The objective involved multiple physical activities which caused individual participants to rely on others and necessitated a new level of trust in our peers.

As humans we go to great lengths in cultivating relationships and skill sets in order to excel. This type of activity has it place, yet the greater and central aim of our lives is to know God and trust Him explicitly. The highest compliment of all is to say, “God, I love you and I trust you. I may not know or understand all that is going on yet I believe and have faith in You above everything I can think, see, or feel.”

The reason God longs, yes longs, for you and I to trust Him is found in the latter part of verse ten. “For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” As we place our trust in God, it allows Him to move and show Himself strong in our lives then others desire to have a saving knowledge of who He is through Jesus Christ.

Now is the time to get our eyes off of people, things, and circumstances and really seek God. Pay Him the highest compliment with your life today and say, “Lord, I put my trust in You alone.” Live with a full reliance of, dependence on, and expectation in God. This will cause Him to smile and delight the heart of God.

Pray – Father, I want to give you the highest compliment of all by trusting you with every aspect of my life. I have confidence in You Lord whether I see or understand what’s ahead or not. For You alone are good. Your love and mercy endures for ever. You are great and worthy of all my praise and hope in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Prayerful Decisiveness - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-23T07:10:00.000-05:00

… God was moved by prayer for the land. (2 Samuel 21:14b).

In 2 Samuel 21:1 we read, Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the LORD. And the LORD said, "It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death."

A couple of things jump out here. First the land had been in famine for sometime. Secondly, David earnestly beseeched the Lord for an answer that did not appear to come immediately. He repeatedly “sought the presence of the Lord” in earnest. Think of times you have diligently looked for a person or a particular gift. When you seek after someone or something, the pursuit requires more than casual attention. There is an active participation on our part. Third, when King David decisively sought the Lord on this specific matter, the Lord God answered.

Once King David heard the Lord’s response, he took decisive action on the matter. King David met with the Gibeonites to find out what could be done to make amends for the previous King Saul breaking his contract and commitment to these people (vs.3-4). The people were not interested in money or possessions. But because King Saul tried to annihilate the Gibeonites from Israel after he said he would not, they asked for seven of King Saul’s sons to be put to death (vs. 4-6).

King David said he would give them seven of King Saul’s sons. So the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Armoni and Mephibosheth whom she had borne to Saul, and the five sons of Merab the daughter of Saul, whom she had borne to Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite (vs.8).

The seven sons were put to death and fell together (vs. 9) Rizpah, one of the mothers, took sackcloth and spread over the bodies to protect them for days from the birds of the air during the day and the beasts by night (vs.10). When David heard of what Rizpah had done, he had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan collected. For their bodies had been stolen from where the Philippines hung them in the open square of Bethshan when Saul had been struck down in Gilboa earlier. Then they gathered the bones of the seven sons of Saul who had been hanged and buried the bones as King David commanded (vs.10-14).

It was after all of this this, God was moved by prayer for the land. (2 Samuel 21:14b) As we pray, we must be willing to seek God diligently on a specific matter. Then when He speaks, we must be willing to act on what is spoken. God will lead, guide and direct. He is a just and righteous God. Be willing to take action when He speaks for He is moved by prayer.

Pray – Father as I bring specific matters before you, hear me Lord. Then help me hear and act on Your words with Great boldness to bring you glory and honor. Help me to not shrink away from making amends with people and/or situations as you call them up. Help me to be prayerfully decisive to watch you move in power, glory and might in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Watch Your Step - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-22T06:48:00.000-05:00

For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps. (Job 34:21)

For some reason I see the fun in the verse and the gravity of it all at once. There are days when I long to make God’s heart happy in a fun loving way. I think of The Father watching all of my steps and it makes me want to skip, hop from side to side then break out in some fancy footwork so He will grin with amusement about my childlike behavior of wanting to be in His presence to delight in who He is.

Perhaps it is because I can meditate on Job 31:4 where this question is asked, “Does He not see my ways and number all my steps?” Not only are the hairs on our head numbered but all of our steps as well. God is mind-boggling to me in how He knows so much. His omnipresence is a blessing to each of us. This same presence also represents righteousness and impartial judgment. This leads me to the more somber consideration of God seeing all of my steps. He notices when I have been short with an answer to someone, rushed off into a task without considering His ways, or walked in the way of my flesh instead of His empowering Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 15:3 tells us, “The eyes of the “LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.” Knowing this, what steps should you and I be taking today? Deliberate, purposeful, God ordained steps. When you and I mess up, we need to be quick to repent and ask for forgiveness. Then we must make certain steps are taken to not judge others and be quick to forgive when offense comes. Our hearts must remain tender, moldable, and pliable.

What really drives the point home about watching our step is the outrageous lengths society will go to in order not to offend other people. This leads to the more penetrating question of do we give the same or more forethought about whether we are offending the Lord our God?

Jeremiah 16:17 reinforces today’s passage yet another way as to what God sees, “For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.” This is why we watch our step. We can fool a few people some of the time but we can fool God none of the time. Therefore we need to watch our step and be mindful of what we are doing, how we treat others, and purposeful about pleasing God more than man.

How do we do this? We delve into the word of God and learn more of His ways. We listen to His instruction, reproof, edification, and exultation. We get our marching orders from The Chief Commander first then go out with joy. When we give the Lord preeminence or first place in our life, He will establish our ways. How do we watch our step? “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Pray – Heavenly Father, I stop everything right now and deliberately commit my works to You, Lord. Establish my thoughts so that each step will be purposeful and pleasing to You this day.

H2H - Fresh and Flourishing - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-17T07:54:00.000-05:00

Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12)

In “Studies in the Sermon on the Mount” (1960) by Oswald Chambers, he asks a profound question and gives a straight forward answer to reveal much about our walk with the Lord God through Jesus Christ and leading of the Holy Spirit. “How are you to grow in knowledge of God? By remaining where you are.”

You and I are to remain steadfast in God. Psalm 92:12-15 drives this home,

12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,

15 To declare that the LORD is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

When we remain steadfast right where we are in God, you and I become fresh and flourishing! This means our words and actions will minister life. Everything we put our hand to will prosper according to the Lord which far supersedes how the world views success.

Regardless of your circumstances or the type of work you perform on a daily basis, as a child of God you have been called to share and proclaim the Lord’s righteousness. That’s not hard because nothing about this is dependent on us. This solely relies on the goodness, righteousness, and holiness of God. What a relief! He works in us and through us right where we are when we are willing.

It is by His grace alone that we are fresh and flourishing daily in His knowledge right where we have been placed, not some day but “nowadays”… today. We apply our heart to instruction when we learn of the Lord through His Word and get quiet before Him. Run to Him this day.

Much like Paul I declare, I “come to you with joy by the will of God and may be refreshed together with you. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

Pray – Lord, You are good and your mercy endures forever. Thank you for using us to Your glory right were we are this moment and throughout the day. Father, I trust You in things big and small and remind myself as I talk to You that I am content and complete in You. I praise You for the opportunity to grow in You today. Lord what a relief to know that whether young or old, I can be fresh and flourishing as I stay continually planted in Your Words, will, and way in Jesus name, A-men.

.

H2H - One Step at a TIme - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-15T07:36:00.000-05:00

GOD's Spirit came over Gideon. (Judges 6:34 MSG)

We have talked about Gideon before. God saw Gideon as a mighty man of valor, a mighty warrior; even though this guy was known for hiding in the wine press as he tried to hide from his enemies to survive. I keep going back and studying his life from different angles. This time the focus is on God’s patience and power. God encouraged Gideon repeatedly to be obedient and move in the strength of the Lord.

God was reassuring and patient with the fleeces Gideon put out there. The Lord was good to confirm what Gideon already knew to be true. Gideon simply needed reassurance. God wanted Gideon’s heart and the same is true for us today. God met Gideon where he was and they moved one step at a time every time Gideon was obedient. That’s how God’s spirit came over Gideon and it is also how it comes over you and me through trusting obedience right now.

While teaching Sunday School to older elementary girls a while back, the focus of our lesson was on the Israelites in the desert when they built the golden calf to worship while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the ten commandments. The girls got real honest about things most important to them such as hanging out with friends, watching TV, riding horses, soccer, dance, etc. Interesting enough spending time with God was not even on the list of priorities as what was important. Before we judge too quickly, what competes for our time and relationship with God? Does work, family, television, golf, cattle, service clubs, shopping, housework, or other obligations and interests crowd out our personal time with God? Anything that competes for our time and attention thereby turning our thoughts away from God is a contemporary idol.

Back to Gideon and the correlation, God was not pleased with Israel’s false worship of idols yet again because it was destroying their souls. Idol worship of even modern day things starves our souls and spirits. God was trying to get their attention and He is trying to get ours today too. Once Gideon was convinced of God’s direction, he burned down the Baal and Asherha poles. The assignment was alarming to Gideon because Joash, his father, was directly involved with the site as a prosperous local businessman. Gideon trusted the Lord one step at a time.

Notice another instance where Gideon trusted God in the midst of it all, All the Midianites and Amalekites (the easterners) got together, crossed the river, and made camp in the Valley of Jezreel. God's Spirit came over Gideon. He blew his ram's horn trumpet and the Abiezrites came out, ready to follow him. He dispatched messengers all through Manasseh, calling them to the battle; also to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. They all came. (Judges 6:33-35 The Message)

The people who wanted to kill Gideon for burning down the idols came out in droves to fight with him! Only God moves on the hearts of people in such a way! We are to trust God at every turn, one step at a time. God will always do his part. Are we willing to do ours? It becomes a matter of trust. When we trust God, His spirit comes over us and turns impossible situations into triumphant moments for His glory!

Pray – Father, I trust you. My desire is to obey You one step at a time even when I am afraid. Holy Spirit reign in my life in Jesus name, A-men.

Date Night With God - Thirsty ? - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-08-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

“Then he became very thirsty; so he cried out to the LORD and said…” Judges 15:8.

I stopped here upon reading. Here we notice that this man had become very thirsty.

In this driest, hottest month of the year, we all want water to quench our thirst. We become dry, sometimes even to a point where it may be difficult to swallow. We have an excessive need for good, clean water.

In the same way you and I have an innate spiritual thirst. We may spend years trying to satisfy that “thirst”, to find ourselves empty and dry, still seeking. When we come to the end of trying to satisfy our “thirsts” our own way, we find that there is only One that can truly satisfy our deepest thirst, Jesus Christ.

“A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1.

Even David recognized that we couldn’t find eternal satisfaction in this world. We can wander in the “dessert” all our life, to realize it was all for nothing. No satisfaction. No rest. No peace.

Our souls thirst. What are you trying to satisfy your thirst with? God alone truly satisfies that longing, that emptiness, that desire and the need that we all have. He satisfies like no other.

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring; They will spring up among the grass Like willows by the watercourses.' ” Isaiah 44:3,4.
God has made a promise. He will pour out His water on those who seek Him and He will pour out His Spirit.

Do you hear the Father calling you, child? He is waiting to come in.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches " Revelation 3:20-22.

Do you hear Him calling you? He knows you personally, by name. Are you thirsty for more in this life? The Savior, Jesus Christ is waiting to give you more. Call on His name.

H2H - Nuggets of Truth - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-12T07:13:00.002-05:00

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-142 NIV)

The meaning of life is an age old question asked by many an individual for thousands of years. However it can be summarized in the last two verses of Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. In spite of the profound synopsis of life, King Solomon spends the first six chapters of Ecclesiastes talking about the pursuits in life that come up short actually empty apart from God alone. Whether we are seeking wisdom, work, status, possessions, companionship, fame, money, or long life it is all for not unless God is at the very center of everything.

By chapter seven the tide begins to turn and we find nuggets of treasure to hold onto. The Living Bible translation will be used to keep it real and applicable today in multiple areas of life.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 – Finishing is better than starting! Patience is better than pride!

Ecclesiastes 7:10 – Don’t long for the “good old days,” for you don’t know whether they were any better than these!

Ecclesiastes 7:13a – See the way God does things and fall into line…

Ecclesiastes 7:18 – Tackle every task that comes along, and if you fear God you can expect his blessing.

Ecclesiastes 8:5b – The wise man will find a time and a way to do what he says.

Ecclesiastes 8:10a – Whatever you do, do well…

Ecclesiastes 10:2 – A wise man’s heart leads him to do right, and a fools heart leads him to do evil.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 – If the boss is angry with you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit will quiet his bad temper.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 – If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 – Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which one will grow – perhaps it all will.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 – It is a wonderful thing to be alive! If a person lives to be very old, let him rejoice in every day of life, but let him also remember that eternity is far longer, and that everything down here is futile in comparison.

The entire Bible is the inspired word of God. The Word is full of wisdom and insight in how to pursue a life of victory today.

Pray – Lord God, I love how you do things. Thank you for providing foundational truths and principles for living that makes all the difference. I love how you lead, guide, and direct me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Encouragement Driven Rather Than Economy Driven - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-11T07:12:00.000-05:00

After spending some time there, he [Paul ] left for Turkey again, going through Galatia and Phrygia visiting all the believers, encouraging them and helping them grow in the Lord. (Acts 18:23 - The Living Bible)

It costs nothing to give encouragement, yet it is priceless when received. Several years ago I was in Houston with one of our daughters. I was resting yet not sleeping she asked if it would be alright to watch television. In moments a film came on the screen entitled the “Bee Movie” on one of the hotel channels. The animated film did not initially have my attention. I was merely aware of its noise and found myself drifting off to sleep rather quickly.

For what ever reason, I kept waking up and catching glimpses of this movie. Of course it talked about the sheer impossibility of bees being able to fly, the work ethic of busy bees and the pollination process. Somewhere the bees obviously stopped pollinating and things “went south” in a hurry. After all, pollination affects growth and production of life. When the bees stopped doing what they knew to do, things started falling apart. The same is true for human beings. We are to pollinate the earth with the good news of Jesus Christ as we encourage each another to “be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

I tell you this story to let you know how and what God started speaking to my heart in the midst of dozing in and out of this movie. He often uses simple things to drive a point home. As individuals in the body of Christ, we are to pollinate with sincere encouragement daily. We’ve got lots to give, because the greater one lives on the inside of you and me. Speaking words of life, hope, and kindness does not cost money, yet this yields a bumper crop in the lives of others that will matter throughout all of eternity.

When you fail to encourage someone else, hope deferred makes the heart sick. Proverbs 17:22 says it this way, A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Acts 14:22 tells us, we are to grow in love for God and each other. While studying the book of Acts, I realized the name Barnabas, one of the men who traveled and preached with Paul extensively, means “son of encouragement.”

You and I have the opportunity to be a son or daughter of encouragement today. We look most like our Heavenly Father and elder brother Jesus Christ when we have their heart. Ask God to show you people who need encouragement. Freely give because you have freely received the grace, love, and mercy of the Father (Matthew 10:8).

Pray – Father, thank you for your faithful grace, love, mercy and encouragement you have extended to us. Show us people who need encouragement and the best way to give it to them via visit, phone call, note, email, Facebook, etc, so they will be drawn closer to You, in Jesus name A-men. Help us to freely give the unconditional love you have freely given us.

H2H - Help, Stgrength, and Refuge - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Being in the field of education, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a couple of training sessions this week. Although I was earnestly invigorated by both the workshops and meetings, I found my head hurting at the end of the second day due to information overload. I needed a place of refuge and strength to carry on.

In today’s Western culture taking refuge seems to mean withdrawing into ones self or taking flight to “get away from it all”. However, this is not what the Bible teaches us. Psalm 46:1 clearly says, “God is our refuge and strength.” When you and I need refuge and strength we are to run to God, He is our all in all not other people, places, or things. If we see others in need, we are to encourage them to continually “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

The last half of the verse implicitly states that God is “a very present help in trouble.” We do not have to figure everything out on our own and go to God and say, “OK Lord, I have thought about this long and hard and believe I have a plan that you can implement to get me out of this mess.” No, God is our help in times of trouble. He does not need our help. We do well to remember we need His help, strength, and refuge in all things great and small.

Psalm 9:9 reinforces the power of God during the storms of life that we face as well. “The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble.” A stronghold is a place that has been fortified so as to protect against attack. A stronghold is a place of security and survival. Therefore God is our place of security and survival from the enemy and storms of life.

Talk to God – Father, thank you that we can be shut in with You in a secret place in order to find more power to run well in this race of life in order to be obedient and pleasing to You. We praise you for being our refuge and strength. We love you Lord for being our place of security and survival. Thank you for peace found in You in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Spiritual Stodginess - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

Therefore you shall love the LORD your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always. (Deuteronomy 11:1 NKJV)

Familiar words, yet we find masses of modern day Christians in America having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof! (2 Timothy 3:5) There are times when I realize the Lord seeks devotions to be repeated. This causes me to take note becasue it makes me wonder what we have not grasp. You and I say we love the Lord, as commanded, so let’s check our actions, behaviors, and attitudes against the living word of God?

Are we kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave us? (Ephesians 4:32) Do we really keep ALL of the commandments in the word of God? Better yet (question wise), are we even in the Word of God day in and day out to fully understand all of the Lord’s ways and truly grasp everything He hates? Before you answer, remember we are held accountable for EVERYTHING in the Bible whether we are aware of what it says are not. We should be reading it, studying it, speaking it, living it out, and sharing it passionately; after all it is THE BEST SELLER of all times!

Remember things that are an abomination to the Lord? Proverbs 6:16-19 puts it out there straight forward. “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 1) a proud look, 2) a lying tongue, 3) hands that shed innocent blood, 4) a heart that devises wicked plans, 5) feet that are swift in running to evil, 6) a false witness who speaks lies, and 7) one who sows discord among brethren.” (Number emphasis added.)

A false balance is an abomination to the LORD (Proverbs 11:1). Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD (Proverbs 16:5). If you are wondering about things from the New Testament standpoint Romans 1:28-32 has a laundry list of the types of disobedient behaviors the Lord detests, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” We must long and really want to retain God in our knowledge!

Have we participated in any of these things lately? If so repent, repent. We are to fall on our faces before Holy God and ask forgiveness for being hard hearted and preoccupied with self instead of the ways of our Lord. Unfortunately we have become deceived and are walking around in much spiritual stodginess. There is such a heavy dose of complacency that would take a truckload of dynamite to blast through it all.

Rest assured, God has the TNT you and I need for deliverance through the unction and power of the Holy Spirit and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. If the Lord is convicting you right now to turn from your wicked ways as He has prompted me, then thank God for His mercifulness as we “hold fast” to the words of the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:22).

Talk to God – Father, forgive me for walking around with a “business as usual” attitude when you are seeking true repentance and holiness from Your people. Lord, forgive me for not more ferverently taking up Your “charge” and being about the Master’s business. Lord, help each of us to keep every command You give so it may go well with us and our children as you spoke in Deuteronomy 12:28. Thank you for the reminder that this only comes about when we do what is good and right in Your sight. Help us this day, in Jesus name A-men.

Date Night With God - Daddy's Arms - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-08-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

“The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!' Deuteronomy 33:27.

“The LORD lifts up the humble.” Psalm 147:6.

Tomorrow will be three years ago since my Dad went home to be with the Lord. Reflecting back on one of my earliest memories, and one of my fondest is one that goes way back. I remember my Daddy carrying me in his arms. There was a place not far where I lived as a young child that my Dad would go to. I remember him carrying me in his arms, walking to a secluded place where free flowing spring water flowed. There, he would take a jug and fill it with fresh spring water to take home.

It is amazing, as brief a memory as it is; it is as vivid today as it was when I was a child. I loved my Dad and was “Daddy’s girl”, being the first and only child for five years.

Another dear memory is riding in the car with my Mom and Dad, snuggled right next to my Dad, resting my head on his shoulder. I always wanted to be as close to my Dad as I could be.

We have another Father that loves us so much. He will carry us through life and all that it has to offer. He will lift us up when we fall down. He is our Refuge in the time of need. He is our Strongtower. He is our Buckler, our Shield.

Just as we have a special bond with our earthly fathers, we too can have a special bond with our Heavenly Father. The closer we draw to Him, the more we get to know Him. The closer we draw to Him, the closer He comes to us. This relationship brings a whole new dimension to life. This is life!

We can all come to know this most Precious One.

May you find the comfort and security you need in our Father’s arms. He wants us to understand and know Him. It is not too late right now. If you are reading this, it is not too late.

Father,
I pray for this appointed time that You have made to draw me close to You. Wrap your arms around me. Reveal Yourself to me, as I spend time in Your word. Lead me, and guide me and direct me. Thank You that I can trust You with my life, with my everything. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit hovers over me. Thank You that You sing over me. Have Your way today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

H2H - Gracious Grace - by Sherry Chester

2011-08-05T07:19:00.000-05:00

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)

There is an older chorus that I was reminded of last night, went to sleep thinking on it, and awoke with the same words in my spirit again this morning. The words are as follows:

Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin

Grace means benevolence and favor. God is greater than fear, depression, loneliness, disappointments, and uncertainty. The grace of Jesus Christ is bigger than problems faced with finances, marriages, children, and jobs. Grace is bigger than any of our concerns, fears, or crazy quirks we think will never change. God is greater than all of these things. Jesus Christ came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). How does this happen, through grace? Grace is unmerited favor. It’s something you and I can’t earn. It’s a blessed gift from God as a child of the King.

God’s grace and mercies are new every morning. Today is another opportunity to fellowship with the Lord God and allow Him to move mightily in your midst. Jesus is simply waiting for you to call upon His grace this morning. He alone gives favor, strength, energy, and resources to do everything according to His purpose, will, and plan. Call upon the name of the Lord God and watch Him move heaven and earth for His son Jesus to be glorified in your life.

God gives us grace to stick with the things He calls us to do. He gives us strength to carry on and preference with Himself and others as we walk in His will and way.

Seek the Lord this morning. Remind the Lord of His word. Grace and truth became known through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Ask God to give you an abundance of grace and truth this morning for the things which concern you the most.

He tells us in His word, you will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32). Don’t be afraid of finding out new truth. His ways are redemptive. Revealing new truth to us is a part of his loving grace and mercy.

The Lord is waiting to sing songs of deliverance over you and me with grace and mercy. If you were to look at this in mathematical terms it would look like this… grace > all our sin. Call upon the name of the Lord this morning, He’s waiting on you. Remember grace is greater than all our sin.

Pray – Father, how I need Your grace and mercy. I come to you thanking you for unmerited favor. Lord move mightily in my life so that others may see you, know Your Son, and live.

H2H - Another Curve Ball

2011-08-02T07:20:00.000-05:00

Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them (Exodus15:25).

At this point Moses and the people of Israel have watched God literally part the Red Sea. They walked across the sea on dry ground, miraculous. Then as horses and riders from Egypt pursued them, their enemy was drowned in the sea as it closed back over them. The first 21 verses of chapter 15 are a song unto the Lord because of His favor, victory, and deliverance.

As Israel proceeded into the wilderness they found no water. When they arrived at Marah, they found water but it was bitter and could not be consumed. By verse 24, the people complained to Moses. There is a lesson for us that we must get a hold of today.

Moses and Israel were following the instructions of the Lord God. He called them out of darkness. They were headed to the Promised Land at His leading. In the midst of the God ordained journey, they faced the first of many difficult experiences. The experience was to educate them. It was not a means of punishment. Get a hold of this and it will change your life today, if you will let it take root in your heart.

Notice in verse 25 Moses cried out to the Lord. It was not a casual conversation. Get desperate for God and call out to Him. He will answer when you call. The Lord was faithful and showed Moses what to do. Then Moses did what the Lord said by throwing the tree into the water. Moses did not question the directions. He sought the Lord, heard the instruction, followed through and the water became sweet. The Lord will use circumstances in your life to teach and test you. Don’t be alarmed when a curve ball comes your way. Seek the Lord, heed the instruction, and follow through.

I am by no means a sports fanatic, yet I do like to watch baseball and softball. It’s interesting to watch different pitches. Curve balls fascinate me because they do exactly what the name implies. This particular pitch can cause a batter to strike not recognizing what has just been thrown. So it is in life. You have heard the call of God, started walking on the journey with Him, and experienced victory. This is terrific. Now, don’t be surprised when there are trials in your life. Learn from it. Remember and think on Romans 15:4, For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Do not let tests and trials throw you for a curve. They are a part of the journey to educate us on the ways of God. Only then can we learn to fully rely on Him and share His goodness.

Pray – Thank you for life’s experiences that you use to teach and educate me in your ways. You really are such a loving God. Thank you for leading me. Forgive me when I have aimlessly struck out in situations that were merely opportunities to learn more of You.

H2H - Not About Me - by Sherry Chester

2011-07-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him who died and was raised again for their sake. (2 Corinthians 5:15 AMP)

Life is not about you or me. It is all about fulfilling the purpose and plans that the Lord God has, The Master Plan. It’s time to get into the thick of it. We need to get consumed, engulfed, and immersed in the word of God to where it overtakes our thought life, our responses in conversations, and our actions toward others. This is not an impossible or daunting tasking. For nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What are we waiting for? Let us unashamedly delve into the Word of God and go boldly before His throne to get His heart and mind on the things we will need to deal with today. …He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to [live to]and for Him who died and was raised again for their sake. We are to live, move, and have our being in Jesus Christ. We are to be diligent and disciplined in following after the things of God.

Talk to God – Holy are you Lord God almighty who was, and is, and is come. Holy, Holy are you Lord. You alone are worthy of glory, honor, thanksgiving, and much praise.

Joy and praise to You rises up within me to bless Your Holy name. Lord, Your words are right and pure. Everything you do is worthy of our praise because You love what is just and good.

I see your tender love and mercies at every turn. I stand in awe of how you spoke the galaxies, the heaven, and the earth into existence by Your word. Your name is a strong and mighty tower. I run into Your name Lord for comfort, protection and direction.

Father, I give you the reigns and complete control of my life. Be Lord of all. Help me to abhor evil and cling to that which is good. Lord, only you can help. All else is mere vanity. I want to be about your business and to work with excellence unto you in every area of this life.

I give you praise for the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world. How marvelous to know that He is now seated at Your right hand Lord, making intercession for me today.

Thank you for the reminder that this life is not about me rather how You can work through me to accomplish Your will and purpose. Help me to deliberately crucify my flesh today in obedience to Your word. Because I really love you, I will listen, trust You, and instantly obey in and through the mighty name, power and glory of Jesus, A-men.

H2H - This Belongs to You - by Sherry Chester

2011-07-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 54:13)

Many if not most of us have had the following situation happen. We are walking along with something in our hands and we accidently drop the object. Another person passing by looks at the situation and helps by picking up the item that was dropped. In many instances a question is asked, “Does this belong to you?” Sometimes you and I may realize what we have let fall. At other times we are surprised. We let go of something though we thought we were still walking with the item in our possession. So it is with peace.

I appreciate this verse on multiple levels. Let’s look at the personal application first because The Word has to work in us before it can flow through us. As a child of God, we can recognize that when taught by the Lord we will walk in great peace. The Lord teaches us through The Bible, time spent in prayer, and quiet times listening to God speak instead of us talking.

Next, we can treasure this verse for what it means to our children, grandchildren and children throughout the world of all ages. This is one of many verses that we can talk about with our families and others, regardless of their ages, and make this as a confession so that we see ourselves as God see us. The confession would be shared something like this, “I am taught of the Lord and His peace belongs to me.”

Much like the example of an object dropped earlier, if we are not studying the Bible and thinking about the word of God, Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit and their three in one unconditional love, grace, and mercy we drop something that is important to us, namely peace. In order to walk in peace we listen and act in obedience to what we hear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit speak to us. We do not worry or fret, yet find that the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Remember you are taught of the Lord and His peace belongs to you. It supersedes anything circumstantial that is going on in your life or mine. Take heart in John 14:27 where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This belongs to you and me and it is called peace. Be careful to walk in it and avoid letting Satan use people or circumstances in order to try to rob you of peace that passes all understanding.

Talk to God – Lord, thank you for reminding us that we can walk in peace and the circumstances of life do not have to cause us to loose our peace if we stay steadfastly hooked up to and focused on You. You are our rock and our redeemer, the reason that we live is to fellowship with you and walk in peace since it belongs to use because of your son Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who comforts, leads, guides, and directs all for Your glory and honor in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Return, Yield, and Serve

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

For if you return to the LORD, your brethren and your children will be treated with compassion by those who lead them captive, so that they may come back to this land; for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.” (II Chronicles 30:9)

I have said it recently and it bears repeating. I have enjoyed studying Chronicles like never before. Several verses earlier in 6 and 7 runners went through all of Israel and Judah with letters from King Hezekiah and his leaders that said, “Children of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; then he will return to the remnant…”

Perhaps part of what causes my spirit to leap is the directives we receive from God. Notice verse 8 says, “Now do not be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourself to the Lord… and serve the Lord your God.” We must seek God.

In the previous chapter, 29 verse 10 gives us more of the same specific instruction for our lives, “do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should ministers to Him.” Not every one is called to be a pastor of a local church; however, as born again believers we are all called to be ministers of the gospel.

So the encapsulated message for today is to make certain we are not negligent therefore:

1. Return to the Lord God and He will not turn His face away from you.

2. Yield yourself to the Lord

3. Serve the Lord your God

We do not want to offend the Lord or have His wrath upon us yet this happens when we forsake Him, His commandments, and seek our own way. We see examples of this in 2 Chronicle 28:6, 11, and 13. Several chapters earlier and a few kings beforehand, we read a verse that jumps off of the page by what was said of Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25:2. “And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a loyal heart.” This grieved me to read and caused me to reflect on times this could be said by the Heavenly Father of me. We must guard our heart to act in willing obedience and with a loyal heart to God not people, circumstances, jobs, or things. God is after individuals who will turn or return, yield, and serve Him with a loyal and glad heart. Let this be said of us based on heart motives and outward actions.

Talk to God – Lord, in the name of Jesus my desire is to honor you and serve you by being wholeheartedly loyal to You. Father I turn to you, yield my way to Yours, and want to serve you above all else in Jesus name A-men.

2011 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™

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H2H - Radical Doing - by Sherry Chester

2011-07-15T08:14:00.002-05:00

“[Doers—Not Hearers Only] Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

Our heavenly Father instructs, warns, admonishes, and tells us repeatedly to get rid of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Laying aside all evil means to, “BE done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind.”

Notice how wickedness is further defined as malignity. When something is malignant or cancerous, it’s diseased and can spread if not dealt with. If we do not deal with wickedness it will deal with us friend. Consider Ephesians 4:24-25, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.”

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (vs.31). God keeps finding multiple ways, to remind you and me of the importance of letting go of evil things in our individual lives that will destroy us. The word is clear about the danger of each ugly sin if not dealt with properly and swiftly.

Then after laying aside wickedness there is great comfort in knowing and walking in the truth of God’s word. We have been given multiple reminders of what to get rid of in our lives. Now it is time to do so and embrace the Lord. Jesus Christ gives us strength to do this when we call upon His name. He gives the power to walk in victory. Put away the sinful stuff that destroys, brings down, and pulls down. God wants to do something redemptive in your life today.

Talk to God – Father, forgive me for holding on to things that have been hurtful to myself, our intimate fellowship and my relationship with others. I praise you for redeeming, reviving, and restoring as only You can and forth the strength to walk out what you have called. Father God, I love you and how you make each day and opportunity fresh with your touch in Jesus name, A-men.

Date Night With God - Humbly Humbled - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-07-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

We all have shortcomings. We have imperfections and flaws, but it is much easier to see others imperfections and flaws than our very own.

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was” James 1:23, 24.

That is a perfect example. Many times we are quick to point out others faults, mistakes, sins, when we have forgotten what our own sins look like.

When we come face to face with Jesus everything changes. His pure goodness, righteousness and Love has a way of humbling the prideful, arrogant and selfish person. When we are in the light of Jesus, every one of our flaws are brought out into the light.

This is where healing begins in our lives. It is a painful process, yet a purifying one.

What does it mean to be humble?

Humbleness is marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.

Humbleness shows deferential or submissive respect.

We must take time to inspect, and delve into our own lives and actions. Take a good honest look at ourselves.

What are our shortcomings?

There is good news! As we humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord, He will lift us up!

“He does not forget the cry of the humble.” Psalm 9:12.

“LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear,” Psalm 10:17.

When we come humbly before God, He hears our voice. He does not forget our cries!!!

“The LORD lifts up the humble” Psalm 147:6.

“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever, Nor will I always be angry; For the spirit would fail before Me, And the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, And he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, And restore comforts to him And to his mourners. "I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," Says the LORD, "And I will heal him." Isaiah 57:15-19.

Jesus is the restorer of our souls. There is peace and much satisfaction when we humble ourselves before God. Yes, there will be troubled times, but we can rest in Him. He will provide for us, He will fight our fights for us. He will meet our deepest need. After all He knows our every need.

It requires submission on our part.

"And I will heal him." Isaiah 57:19.

That is a promise to you and I, and our Father is faithful to keep His promises.

He is in the healing business.

Tonight do you need a healing touch from the Savior, Jesus Christ?

Just call on His name.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you broken over the sin in my life. Thank You for showing me as I am in Your presence. I come humbly asking for Your touch on my life. Only You can make me whole. Thank You for showing me my greatest need – Jesus. Right now Father, I ask for Your healing touch over any anger, resentment, fear, pride and selfishness in my life. Show me Your ways. Lead me in Your path.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

H2H - The Center of the Heart - by Sherry Chester

2011-07-14T07:02:00.000-05:00

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. (Proverbs 21:1)

In reading an excerpt from Biblical Psychology penned by Oswald Chambers that was first published in 1962, I found the following description echoing that which I have pondered in my heart all week yet could not succinctly place into words yet.

“The Bible always means more than we are apt to mean. The term “heart” in the Bible means…

THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING.

The human soul has the spirit in it and above it

and the body by it and about it;

but the vital center of all is the heart.

When we speak with the heart, figuratively or actually, we mean the mid-most part of a person. The Bible teaching differs from that of science in that it makes the heart the soul center and the spirit center as well…

If we try, as has been tried by psychologists, to take out of the Bible something that agrees with modern science, we shall have to omit many things the Bible says about the heart. According to the Bible, the heart is the center of physical life, the center of memory, the center of damnation and of salvation, the center from which everything works which molds the human mechanism."

In studying I have come to realize the word heart is used 884 times in the Bible. The condition of our heart is paramount and drives everything else about our lives. Consider I John 3:21, “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”

We are to cleanse and purify our hearts by grace through faith. We must purpose to keep our hearts tender, pliable, and moldable to the things of God. For this is the will of God concerning every believer. We are instructed to make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

Let’s clos instructed e pondering a passage in I Peter 3:15-16 – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the HOPE that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”

Talk to God – Father, what a joy to make melody to You in my heart. Cleanse me from sin within to where I can walk blameless before You with bold confidence. I desire to learn more of You. God show me how to prepare my heart to commune with you all throughout my days in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Loyal Heart - by Sherry Chester

2011-07-13T06:27:00.000-05:00

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him… (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Sometimes we need to be reminded of the definition of a word. Loyal means to be “unswerving in allegiance: faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government.” This causes us to stop and remember that we are in this world yet not of the world. As a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ the government that holds our allegiance is eternal.

It excites me to know that the Lord who created all things looks all over this planet to demonstrate His loving kindness and goodness to any individual who has their heart and affections set upon him. God is no respecter of persons and aches to do you and me good if we will be found loyal to Him.

What does loyalty to the Lord look like in a practical sense? Being loyal is getting in the Word of God and reading the Bible daily, thinking on His word, and walking it out as we talk, shop, work, eat, and relax. Being a loyal friend, son, and/or daughter of God means considering what He wants above what our own wants or what anyone else desires. Remember the primary ways we know what God requires is to study His word and talk to Him in prayer.

God’s hand is never short. If you are in need of His goodness today, as all of us are everyday, then make sure He can count you as one who is loyal in motive.

Talk to God – Lord my desire is to worship you with all my heart. Show me areas of my life where you are calling greater degrees of loyalty to you in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Faithful and Loyal Heart by Sherry Chester

2011-07-13T06:25:00.002-05:00

And he commanded them, saying, “Thus you shall act in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and with a loyal heart… (2 Chronicles 19:9)

In pondering 2 Chronicles still, this verse causes me to stop and think about my personal actions and attitudes and appreciate the goodness of God in others. Perhaps the reflection started as the youngest of my daughters turned 24 yesterday. In one felt swoop the twins doubled the number of our children instantly. Typically I think of time and memories as birthdays come and go. However, I kept thinking of all of our daughters and the fruits of the spirit that are evident in all five of our collective daughter’s lives.

Bearing fruit comes about as a process over time of consistently submitting to the Lord and letting Him have his way. This happens as we fear the Lord faithfully and with a loyal heart.

The fruits of the spirit are to be manifest in a life that is hid in Christ. Time spent with the Lord will cause love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control to be evident in our lives.

We can not be loyal to one another unless we are first loyal to God. He teaches us how to treat others in the way that is most pleasing to Him. Above all, purpose to give God the reverent fear and honor he deserves. Be faithful and loyal to God in time spent with Him, in how we treat others, and the way we work. A life hid in Christ will pour forth a most sweet aroma in doing every day tasks. Genuine kindness, joy, and peace will be evident in the most menial of tasks.

Talk to God – Father, my desire is to fear you, be loyal, and faithful in things big and small. I love you Lord in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Prepare the Heart - By Sherry Chester

2011-07-11T07:29:00.000-05:00

And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD. (2 Chronicles 12:14)

We must look at our lives and each situation the way God sees it instead of how the world views things. The passage is speaking of Rehoboam. Now keep in mind only 14 verses earlier the word says this, “Now it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, that he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel along with him.” In other words once Rehoboam was not in a crisis mode and things were going well, he decided he no longer needed the Lord. Not only did he depart from serving the Lord, he caused others to fall away with him.

By verse 5, Rehoboam is in trouble because he forsook the Lord. In the next verse we see where the king and the people humbled themselves and declared, “The Lord is righteous.” The God saw that the people humbled themselves and provided some deliverance yet caused them to become servants of another (6-8). The Lord did not destroy them completely yet there was a high price to pay because they did not seek and inquire of the Lord.

In studying 2 Chronicles this time, the book has come alive in my spirit like never before. I am taken back by the constant reminder to seek and inquire of the Lord. In chapter 18 verse 4 in a completely different situation Jehoshaphat King of Judah, asked Ahab King of Israel, “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.”

One king desired to know what the Lord was saying abut going into battle. The other king despised seeking what the Lord would say. We must with a reverent fear want to know what God is saying, if we do not seek the heart of God and know the face of Jesus, there is bondage. Evil takes place in our life when we do not “prepare our hearts to seek the Lord.”

This is straight up stuff. Ask the Lord what He would have you do this day. Seek His will and way all throughout the day because our delight is in knowing the Lord and meditating on His ways day and night. This brings about deliverance and living a life that is pleasing to God through Christ Jesus.

Talk to God – Father, forgive us when we have not been desperate to know what You want. Father we stop right now to prepare our hearts before You. You are God and our desire is to seek you above all else. Cleanse our heart oh Lord, make us ever pure for we want to be like You in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Bless the Lord - by Sherry Chester

2011-07-04T08:42:00.000-05:00

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

In Chronicles chapters 28-29 King David explained to the people all God has purposed in his heart about plans to build a temple for the Lord and how his son King Solomon would construct the temple because the Lord said so. In chapter 29 the last part of verse 5 David asked the people, “Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the LORD?” The people brought and gave to the work of the Lord. Verse 9, “Then the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly, because with a loyal heart they had offered willingly to the LORD; and King David also rejoiced greatly.” Now notice what took place in the next verse, “Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly…”

We need to remember to bless the Lord for He alone is worthy of our praise. Let us bless God as David did and said (10-14): Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever.

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O LORD,
And You are exalted as head over all.

12 Both riches and honor come from You,
And You reign over all.
In Your hand is power and might;
In Your hand it is to make great
And to give strength to all.

13 “Now therefore, our God,
We thank You
And praise Your glorious name.

14 But who am I, and who are my people,
That we should be able to offer so willingly as this?
For all things come from You,
And of Your own we have given You.

What a joy and honor to be able to bless God. Notice in verse 20, “Then David said to all the assembly, “Now bless the LORD your God.” So all the assembly blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king.” We do well to remember who all praise is due and with spirit, soul, and body give honor to the Lord.

Talk to God – Father, we praise you for Your mercies are new every morning. We love you and recognize that You alone are worthy of glory and honor, we bless You in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Fruits Worthy of Repentance - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-30T07:37:00.000-05:00

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance… (Matt 3:8 NKJV)

These were the words John the Baptist spoke to the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious people of the day as they came to see what he was doing by preaching and baptizing in the wilderness. Afterwards Jesus came and was baptized by John to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15).

When we choose to live a life totaled surrendered and sold out to God, it will not be business as usual. There will be changes continually taking place in our hearts, character and actions. Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…

In the next chapter we see where Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (4:1). Notice Jesus was led by the spirit of God. After Jesus fasted forty days and nights, the enemy came and tempted Him in three different ways. In each situation, Jesus’ first response was, “It is written” (vs. 4:4, 7, and 10). It is paramount to read the word, study the word, and know the word, if we don’t then you and I will believe a lie from the enemy.

There will be times of temptation and testing. Words are cheap and often do not line up with actions. Both the devil and God want to know where our hearts really are and our allegiances rests. Are we bearing fruits worthy of repentance?

Talk to God – Father, help me to take and honest look at myself and see my actions in light of how they appear to You. Lord, help us to pass the tests and be pleasing in Your sight. Sings songs of deliverance over us today in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Appalling and Horrible Sin - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror," declares the LORD. "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. (Jeremiah 2:12-13)

This is a sobering passage yet we need to realize our thoughts and actions have serious consequences and implications. The Lord does not take it lightly when we forsake Him. My immediate defensive response was, “Surely I have not forsaken Him.”

Then the spirit began to prick my heart about countless times when I have not run toward Him. Times when I chose entertainment, comfort, or self over time spent with Him and getting lost in His will instead of mine. This is appalling and horrible sin. Some things appear good, only God is the best.

Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof is what the last part of this verse speaks of. It does not matter about the “type” of personal routine you have or how good the “programs” are you may be involved with. If God is not in the midst of it all, then nothing can hold “living water.” An individual’s own personal effort is appalling and horrible sin.

When we do things our way, building our own cisterns, the presence of the spirit of God is absent because it is not what He called or required. With our best efforts we cannot begin to hold it all together. The arrogance to think we can demonstrates the foolishness of mankind apart from God. This is appalling and horrible sin.

Notice what God speaks later in the same chapter regarding following after our own desires instead of his in verses 17 and 19. Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the LORD your God when he led you in the way?... Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

Destruction will be imminent and the absence of the presence of God will leave a stench in the nostrils of everyone involved that will be repulsive. Ask God to show you those things you have brought on yourself that are not of Him and quickly repent with sincerity of heart. If you ad I are not going forward with God, then “backsliding will rebuke you” and me.

Pray – O Lord my God, forgive me for times when I have not had the proper awe and wonder due Your holiness. Forgive me for committing appalling and horrible sin against You alone. Have mercy on me, O Lord. Show, lead, and guide me in paths of righteousness for Your names sake. I choose to forsake horrible and appalling sin to seek your face with my complete my will being list in Your will alone.

H2H - The Conclusion - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

The last chapter and final two verses in Ecclesiastes call for a fear of God and an outcry to radically obey His commandments. In verse 12 the word “fear” is defined as a reverential trust that includes a hatred of evil. Wake up. There is a Holy and just God who will bring every thought and deed into judgment soon. Complacency has no place in the hearts of followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. Judgment for every person begins in the house of the Lord.

The modern day church in America is out of balance. The grace and mercy of God does not nullify or supersede the righteous judgments of the Lord. Careless living has caused paralysis of the heart in the land. There is a lack of reverential fear and awe even among believers in Jesus Christ. Otherwise we, as a people in general, would not be carnal and worldly. Listen to the warning and heed the wake-up calls of the scriptures provided below. Each calls for an earnest response and a soberness of heart and mind to the Lord. There will be judgment.

Study Notes – Judgment (italic emphasis have been added)

1.Deuteronomy 4:2 – You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

2.Deuteronomy 10:12 - Now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the LORD'S commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?

3.Ecclesiastes 3:17 – I said to myself, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man," for a time for every matter and for every deed is there

4.Matthew 12:36-37 – "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

5.Acts 17:30-31 – "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead."

6.Romans 2:16b – God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

7.I Corinthians 4:5 – Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God.

8.2 Corinthians 5:10 – For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Pray – Lord, let me hear and not fail to respond to Your word with soberness of heart and mind. Forgive me for every careless thought, act, and deed. Help me to live a life of complete and surrendered holiness to You every moment of every day, in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - The Cost of Careless - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-23T07:01:00.000-05:00

He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. (Proverbs 19:16)

There is transformation that is to take place when we read and study the word of God. A response is required on our part for application purposes. If we are not careful in reading some of the books of the Old Testament that have lots of names regarding the lineage of families we are apt to miss important lessons that are very applicable to our personal lives.

For instance in I Chronicles 10:13 The Word says, “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance.” Disobedience demands a deadly price. Disobedience is an offense against God. God alone gives real help and guidance for living.

In Psalms 68:34 we are told to, “Ascribe strength to God,” this is the remedy for carelessness. Then in verse 3O, “God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.” Strength and power is found in God.

When we are careful instead of careless this is what will happen, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16) When we are “care full” we take measures to be full of God. When we are “care less” we have left God out of our lives. Do we want to live with less or be full? Choose to be “care full.”

Pray – Father, thank you for the reminder to be careful to seek Your ways instead of being reckless and careless. We praise you for going to such great lengths to stay with us, deliver us, and honor us when we seek You above all else. You are great and You do miracles so great. There is know one else like You, God.

.

H2H - The Heart's Cry - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-21T07:18:00.000-05:00

…They cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him. (I Chronicles 5:20)

There are two contrasting lessons to be learned today as we look at the last part of Chapter 5 of I Chronicles. Lesson 1, back in the day 44,760 “valiant men” from the sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh went to war against 4 other tribes or nations of people.

There 44,760 valiant men who “were able to bear shield and sword, to shoot with the bow, and [were] skillful in war.” (vs. 17-18) The valiant men received help and the enemy was delivered into their hands because “they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him.” Then in verse 22 we see where the victory was great and the reason was “because the war was God’s.” The battle belonged to the Lord.

It is important to cry out to God at all times. In the midst of life’s battles we realize our desperate need for the Lord. Much like the valiant men, God gives each of us skill sets to use effectively. In using these skill sets we are to be a people who radically put our trust in God. The battles in our lives belong to the Lord. He desires above all else that we place our trust in Him.

Lesson 2, just 6 verses later from when these men trusted in the Lord we see where times got easier and the people stopped relying on God. Verse 25-26 says that the people, “were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and played the harlot after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria…. He carried the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into captivity.”

When the battles of life let up and there is no “crisis of belief” at the moment we must be careful not to take our eyes of God. Because if we do, there will be judgment, bondage, and captivity. We serve a loving God who is just, fair, and jealous. He alone is worthy of all of our praise and adoration. We must be careful not to get caught up in the things of this world and make them idols that become more important to us than God. He will hear our heart’s cry and The Lord expects us to hear His. We are to love the Lord our God with all that is with in us.

Pray – Father, I praise You that the battles of life belong to You. I thank you for victory in Jesus and want to be faithful to You because You are just and faithful.

H2H - Attention and Expectation - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:1-6)

Two men were going to church to pray. Another man was carried to the outside of the church to beg for money. According to the word of God none of these three men, Peter, John, or the Lame man had any cash, yet notice the divine miracle that took place and why.

John and Peter said “Look at us.” The lame man “gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.” We understand what the lame man thought he would get, he was hopeful for money. He expected to get something to help him survive or just get by. But God had so much in store.

Do we give God our attention expecting to receive from Him this day? Do we give Him the attention He is due? God works through His people. See Him at work today, pay attention, and expect to receive more from Jesus that you asked.

As humans we get bogged down in the immediate and temporary things of this earth. God seeks to do you and me good. There is healing, deliverance, strength, encouragement, hope, provision, peace, and comfort waiting for you today. IT MATTERS WHO WE GIVE OUR ATTENTION TO AND WHAT WE EXPECT.

Pray – Father, I choose to give you my attention and expect to receive from You every good and perfect gift that comes from above that You may be glorified through this life in Jesus name, A-men.

Date Night With God - Got Change? - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-06-19T21:03:00.004-05:00

"The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!” Deuteronomy 30:6.

There is a ad that asks “Got milk?” The question tonight is “Got change?”

There is evidence when the Lord Jesus is made Lord of our lives. There is change. He changes our hearts, and as we walk with Jesus, our minds are renewed daily. God does not say in His word that He “might” change us, but that He WILL. That is what the Lord has done in my life. But you and I are not exempt from our part.

We must see our sin/our rebellion for what it is, and that we have all sinned against God. It begins with intently looking, then submitting to God. In the beginning this may seem very foreign to you. This new life requires for you and I to trust the God of the universe totally with every part of our lives.
“And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!" 1 Samuel 15:29.
One thing that you and I can do is take God at His Word. He has done just what He said He would do, and will complete what he came to do.

How many times have we changed our minds, yet God stands on His Word.

Is there inward and outward change? Has our lives been transformed by the Holy Spirit?

Has there been a change in your very nature? Is there a difference in your life?

Are you no longer the “old man” living to fulfill your own selfish desires?

“Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously” Isaiah 55:7.
As we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us. The Lord wants to give you a new, a changed heart … and he forgives GENEROUSLY.
“When the LORD saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah: "Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief. I will not use Shishak to pour out my anger on Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 12:7.

As we humble ourselves before God, gives us new life, new desires, a new way of seeing life and seeing others.

We must take the first step. Jesus is already waiting with arms wide open.

It is okay to not look like the world. It is okay to not chase after the things of this world. At the end of this life, you will be left empty-handed and with an empty, meaningless life full of regrets.

Got change?

Want change?

Cry out to Jesus.

You will not regret it.

Or maybe you are a Christian, and feel like your life is empty. Ask for a touch from our Father, to renew your walk and devotion to Him and Him alone.

God is in the Life Makeover business : )

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You have revealed Your goodness and Love to me. Thank You for a new beginning. Right now, I humble myself in Your presence. Lord Jesus change me. Change my heart to be like Yours. Show me Your ways. Thank You that Your Love has never changed. Lord, forgive me. Cover me with Your righteousness. May my every day life be honorable to You. Be glorified.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

H2H - Now Contentment in Jesus Christ - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-13T07:19:00.000-05:00

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6)

Oswald Chambers made this statement in the October 25 devotion entitled The Eternal Crush of Things, “Never make this plea - If only I were somewhere else!” In listening to John Moore preach, he made some resounding comments that spoke volumes to me about contentment. “Don’t live in the parenthesis.” The statements were simple yet profound.

Many older more mature people speak of how good things were “(back then).” They live in the parenthesis of (the past). The opposite is true for younger people who say, “Someday when…” Usually it is someday when, I get a promotion, have a larger house, raise my kids… Younger people often live in the parenthesis of (the future).

God has called us to live unto, for, and in Him this very moment. Be content in Him and there you will find “great gain.” This doesn’t mean you can’t have fond memories of the past or God given goals and aspirations of the future. It does mean to seize every opportunity God gives you today to love and obey Him. Enjoy Him and those He places in your path. Do today’s tasks with a freshness knowing you will never have the opportunity to live it again. Enjoy the weather whether it is raining or the sun is shining in your area. Live unto Him right now.

In pondering the parenthesis statements with their application to contentment, there was a release on inexpressible joy. I found myself drawn to more people than in the past. I enjoy them for who God made them for this moment and season in time.

While eating with friends, there was an enjoyment there because we spoke of the things of God, laughed, and had a good time. Does this mean things were perfect with the world? No, it does mean that there is a way to live a life of contentment in the present tense that is wonderful. I found I viewed my sweet husband differently as I lived in the present tense of the moment. I enjoyed him even more immensely than usual.

Had the people or circumstances changed? No, my attitude toward God and the immediate moment changed. That joy was available for me to enjoy all along. Yet I couldn’t be thinking about the past or the future. The same is true for you today.

When we walk in the precepts of God and get content there is great gain, it gives you hope. Be alert and avoid living in the parenthesis. Enjoy the Lord God and this day He has made. Chunk the parenthesis mentality. Be content in Christ alone right now.

Pray – Father, forgive me for times I have not relaxed in you. My desire is to love and obey you today knowing that you will lead, guide and direct the tomorrow’s too. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14), A-men.

H2H - The Best Designer Fashions - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-10T07:21:00.000-05:00

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (James 3:16 KJV)

Strife is an environment and attitude where much sin abounds. When I hear the word strife, the following phrase enters my thinking. Satan Tempts Real Individuals to Fight Every-time. This is the basis of strife. The enemy enters through circumstances and teases minds to sew seeds of doubt and discord. Then we as individuals put it on and run with it if we are not cautiously aware of how Satan tries to deceive. Strife clothes people in ugly rags that none of us wants to be caught wearing.

What does God say tell us to do about strife? It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3). There are certain that we avoid due to form and fashion. It is the same way with strife. God tells us to avoid it. It is not becoming on you or me. When strife is worn it is a fashion nightmare. Romans 12:18 tell us, if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Why is this so vital and necessary? The answer is found in I Peter 5:8-9, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Some people struggle with their love walk. For others it is patience and for many it is to walk in peace. The scripture serve as weapons of our warfare to remind the enemy that we deliberately choose to walk in peace. It is the fashion runway where the best clothes are worn.

After all, your daddy (our Heavenly Father) did not raise a fool. Notice what Proverbs says about a fool, A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating (Proverbs 18:6). Remember, we have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16b).

How do we go about walking the runway of peace? We “put on” the new man. Clothe yourself this morning. It is the designer fashion Jesus made that never goes out of style along with faith, hope and love (I Corinthians 13:13).

Peace is a timeless classic. Ephesians 4:22-25 says it best, You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Pray – Father, I trade in rags for riches. I give you strife and every ugly thing it has tried to do in my life and I put on Your rich blessings of peace. Thank you for Your words, oh Lord.

H2H - The Lord's Perspective - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-08T07:23:00.000-05:00

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5)

There is no compelling to expound upon this today. Break it down and ask the Lord to reveal Himself mightily in your midst. Then run the race He has set before you. Don’t look to the left or the right rather press on into The Lord. When fruit is born do not take the credit, give God ALL the glory that is due Him. Be a good steward of your time, talent, and treasure for He alone is worthy of our very best.

Talk to God – Help us to know and line up with Your purpose and vision for this day and the ones to come. Thanks you for strength to run the race of this life with endurance. You alone really are worthy of all praise, glory, and honor, in Jesus name – A-men.

2011 © - Sherry Chester - Radiant Life Publishing™

Unless otherwise noted scripture used today is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) of the Bible

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H2H - Absolutes - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-07T07:21:00.000-05:00

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. (John 14:1)

It amazes me how far my own heart and mouth can lead me away from the center of truths found in God’s word if I’m not continually meditating on it day and night. It is surprising, at times, how “worked up” we can get over things in which we have no control over when we know God has the future under control.

Consider today’s passage of scripture, “Let not your heart be troubled.” We often want to respond with, “Well that’s easy for you to say because you are not dealing with such and such.” You can fill in the blank with any number of challenges, problems, or concerns because everyone has something they are tempted to worry about unless we purposefully stay grounded in verses that explicitly remind us not to be worried or anxious.

As believers in Jesus Christ we are not removed from troubles, however we have God’s word that tells us how to walk through them. Consider I Peter 5:7, which says, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Psalm 55:22 (NASB) states it in another yet reassuring way also, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”

Matthew 6:25 provides the cure for anxiety, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Sometimes we want to make the answers from the Lord difficult when in reality our Father says, don’t worry, be anxious, or wrought up about anything. This gives us a glimpse of how much God loves and cares for us. If this were not so, then we would need to worry and yet the command is to cast every concern upon Him.

Talk to God – Father, there are many concerns in the hearts of believers today. We deliberately choose to give these situations to You knowing that You, God really are in control. Forgive us for when we have tried to hold onto problems as though we can fix them. Forgive us when we go against Your word and worry or fret.

Lord, what an awesome privilege to believe in You this day. Thank you for loving us, caring for us, and calling us friend. You are excellent in working, mighty to deliver, and mighty to save. We will trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. We give You all glory and honor this day in Jesus name, A-men.

H2H - Blinded by the Current Conditions - by Sherry Chester

2011-06-06T07:20:00.002-05:00

His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant… They all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory. (Isaiah 56:10-11)

I am a relatively good housekeeper and typically like to organize spaces, at least I thought so until a closer inspection of our current dwelling. Maxie and I have talked, sought the Lord, and prayed for several months about placing our current house on the market. Within the last week we have taken the necessary steps to obtain a realtor, sign the contract, had the pictures taken, and the sign was placed in the yard last Friday. I was not overly concerned about the house being shown over time because it appeared clean nor did I think it would show day one when the sign hit the yard.

Much to my surprise the house showed on the very first day. At that moment it was like the blinders fell off of my eyes. The house was not nearly as clean as I thought. The closets were not very organized either. I had become complacent in these areas without realizing what had taken place. I was blind to our current situation. As I scurried around to do some last minute dusting Friday even though I never got to sweep the floors before the showing, I was painfully reminded of the spiritual blinders we can easily erect in order to not face the reality of the current situation throughout the world.

The startling numbers David Platt discusses in his book “Radical” came in like a flood. Are we concerned about the 26,000 children who die every day throughout the world due to starvations or treatable illnesses? More importantly are we concerned about the billions of people who have not heard of Christ and are lost and going to hell unless we do something about it? Are we so consumed with material wealth and pleasure that to be “bothered” with such statistics make us uncomfortable therefore we do not want to think about it?

The Lord had directed us to scripture in the Bible about the right priorities and further used this book to stir us from our own materialistic complacency. We must not be so concerned with our own desires and personal gain that we are oblivious to the call of our Master to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation. He compels all of us to go. Going can mean across the street, down the road, across town, somewhere in this state, in another state or across the ocean. The beckoning of our Lord is to go with His interests not our own.

Where our treasure is there is our heart. We believe it is passed time to give up our dream home in order to have eternal treasure up in heaven. Does this sound a bit radical? Perhaps and it does in fact fly in the face of the American dream. However, the dream is contradicts the very words of God. we must realize how blessed we are in America and that the blessing has been given to us in order to be a blessing to others.

Talk to God – Father, have mercy on us as individuals and as a nation that we would not be blinded by our own selfish ways and interest rather to have Your heart and mind to be about The Masters business. Lord, we are in desperate need of you to move mightily in our midst for Your glory, in Jesus name, A-men.

Date Night With God - Ready or Not - Marcia Hinkeldey

2011-06-03T09:13:00.003-05:00

“They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders That You did among them. But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion They appointed a leader To return to their bondage. But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them Nehemiah 9:7.
Even in our rebellion God is ready to pardon … even IN our rebellion.
He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness.
He does not forsake us. We forsake Him. We rebel,
How many times have we failed to honor God? Or our mother or father? Or a friend?
Eve though we have been rebellious, God still love us.
He does not forsake us. We forsake Him. We rebel,
How many times have we held on to a grudge in order to make someone “pay” for the offense against us?
Our prideful arrogance …
Our shameful actions …
Our repulsive behavior …
Our lack of compassion for others …
Our failure to see the real need of others …
We can be so blinded by our sin.
We can be so blinded by our rebellion.
We can be so blinded by our own selfish desires.
But the God of the universe still loves us,
I say we and not you, because I have been guilty. We are all guilty. In the past, or maybe right now you are rebelling against God. Are you “stiff-necked” against a Holy God? Have you been running away from God, seeking “your desires” above God’s plan for your life? He does have a plan for you. He thinks about you.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD” Jeremiah 29:11.
Yes, the God of the universe thinks about you and I.
Tonight I ask, “Are you ready?” Are you tired of going down a dead end road? Are you tired of living life without an eternal purpose and meaning? Are you tired???
Either you are ready, or you’re not.
If you are not ready, nothing will change. Yes, you may find temporary satisfaction in all the world has to offer … but it will be temporary. Your heart and soul will continue to have a void that can only be filled by the Holy Spirit.
It is entirely up to you. Have you felt God speaking to your heart? Have you pushed Him away?
One thing I can guarantee you is that Life without Jesus as our Savior is meaningless. I got tired of living this life without meaning.
This life is more than a job or a job title. It is more than your circle of friends, your lifestyle or your mate. It is more than the luxuries you may have afforded yourself. This life is SO much more.
Are you ready for a life directed and guided by the Lord?
If you are ready, this life begins with submission to Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and King of king.
This life is lived out in the very same way, day by day. Each day we learn how this life is lived and breathed through Him. Our every breath and heartbeat depend on God. Even the hairs on our heads are numbered.
So, it is your choice.
Ready? Or not?

“Preach the word! Be ready in season [and] out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching”2 Timothy 4:2. We tell you this in total love…. the Love of Jesus Christ. Life is still hard. But we don’t have to live this life alone. God has sent Jesus to save the world... and He has sent a Helper, the Holy Spirit. Won’t you reach out to Him tonight?

"The LORD was ready to save me; Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments All the days of our life, in the house of the LORD” Isaiah 38:20.