Category Archives: Faithfulness

Abiding, Bible, Faithfulness, Promises, Salvation, Scripture

I AM WITH YOU

HAGGAI 1:13

“Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke by the commission of the LORD to the people, saying, ‘“I am with you,” declares the LORD.’”

There is nothing quite like having close friends or allies who you can depend on. I am fortunate to say that I have some whom I call at 3 a.m., and they would come running. They are true friends who have my back. They are not only friends. They are also brothers and sisters in Christ. That common bond links us together not just here but for eternity.

Oh wow! Look at today’s verse. Knowing God was with them must have cheered their hearts. They had felt so alone for so long. Now God was saying to them “I am with you.” Did you catch that phrase? “I am – with you.” Who is with them? I AM is with them. The same I AM who was with Moses when he was told to go to Pharoah and demand the release of His people. That I AM was now declaring He was with them.

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There are so many verses that back up this thought of God being with us. How about Psalm 23:4? “When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” Or how about Matthew 28:20. “‘Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.’” We could cite dozens of verses that remind us of God’s promise to be with us.

Probably the greatest reminder, however, is Immanuel. God with us. He chose to come in the form a baby to die for us. His whole earthly life was lived for that purpose. He lived so He could die. That doesn’t make sense to us, does it? I mean, who does that? No one, except a loving God. He gave it all for us.

So, if God is with us like He declared through Haggai, why are we depressed? Why are we forlorn? Why are we seeking for other things to bring us joy? God is with us! We should be shouting that from every mountain top. God is with us! Rejoice! God is with us! Praise His name! GOD IS WITH US!!!!

O Lord, my God, You are with me in the darkest hours and You are with me in my greatest joy. I praise Your holy name.

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Bible, Drought, Faithfulness, Idols, Judgment, Rain, Scripture

DRIED UP

HAGGAI 1:11

“‘And I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground produces, on mankind, on cattle, and on all the products of the labor of your hands.’”

My brothers and sisters in Kenya are experiencing a severe drought. One missionary friend wrote me last week stating just how bad is right now there. People and livestock are suffering severely due to the lack of water. Fires have broken out in their area resulting in thousands of acres being devastated by the flames. It will take years to recover from this drought if things don’t change soon.

God called for a drought on the land of Israel to wake up the people. He was the one who controlled the rain, not some idol. He was the one who could deliver the life-sustaining water needed by all. In verse 11 today, we see that this drought was all inclusive. It was on the land, the mountains, the grain, the vineyards, all the harvest, and on every man and beast. Nothing was exempt from God’s judgment.

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Let me ask you how dry you are? Are you experiencing a spiritual drought? I have heard people express to me how they felt they were in a dry spell with God. Well, whose fault is that? God hasn’t changed. He is still the One who gives us what we need for life and health. He is still the One who fills our spiritual cups with the water of His Word.

In John 7:37-38 we see Jesus referring to this. “37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”’” Jesus may have been referring to Isaiah 58:11 which reads, “Thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.”

I think you get the picture. Our thirst can only be quenched by Jesus. If you are thirsty, come to Jesus. If you are parched spiritually, go to His Word. It will never run dry. If you are in His Word, you will have your need met. Don’t run dry. Stay hydrated by Jesus. And let your cup overflow into the lives of others.

Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up, Lord, Come and quench the thirsting of my soul.

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Abiding, Asking, Bible, Blessing, Caregiver, Faithfulness, God's Will, Hunger, Provision, Scripture

NO SATISFACTION

HAGGAI 1:6

“‘You have sown much, only to harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but there is not enough for anyone to get warm; and the one who earns, earns wages to put into a money bag full of holes.’”

One step forward and two steps back. Never getting anywhere. Have you ever felt that way? It seems no matter how hard you try, you never get the results you are looking for. Take dieting, for example. I can lose ten pounds and before I know it, I’ve gained in back. A lot of that has to do with my eating habits (who doesn’t like fried chicken and mashed potatoes, lol). I know I need to focus and be more disciplined if I want those pounds to stay off.

Haggai wasn’t talking about losing weight, though, in today’s verse. He is passing on the Lord’s point to the people. They were never satisfied with their harvest, their food, their drink, their clothing or their wages. Why? Because they were relying on themselves and not Him. They were striving after all these things, yet their heavenly Father promised to care for them if they would just follow.

APPLICATION

What is your need today? Did you know your Lord wants to meet that for you? He wants to come alongside you and show you the depths of His supply. As we submit to Him and follow Him, He takes care of those needs we have. Will you get everything you want? Of course not. That’s not how it works. We don’t just order room service from God.

Do you believe God’s Word? Philippians 4:19 tells us, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Take that on faith. Believe God will do what He said He will do. Why should you doubt the One who has redeemed you from a fiery end? He has saved and will preserve you.

I have never been wealthy and probably never will. That’s okay. I know I have everything I need. Look up Philippians 4:10-14. Take a good look at Paul’s attitude. We can have that same attitude as we trust God to provide our needs. Will you trust Him today? God knows your needs but tell Him anyway. He loves to hear you talk. He really does.

I am thankful, Lord, for the abundance You have blessed me with. You are a mighty God Who provides for me.

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Abiding, Accountability, Bible, Commands, Faithfulness, Modeling, Priorities, Scripture

PRIORITIES

HAGGAI 1:2

“This is what the LORD of armies says: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.”’”

In my ministry and in my life, I am always prioritizing and reprioritizing events. What is number one on my list could change depending on the day. It’s a daily ritual. I look at my calendar and adjust it according to what has become more important. It doesn’t mean I won’t do the other things. It just means some irons getting hotter than others in the fire and must be dealt with.

The problem in Jerusalem was the temple had been pushed so far down on the list that it was not even registering anymore. While they were building their own homes and taking care of themselves, they had left the temple in disrepair. They excused this time and time again by saying “The time has not come…” Procrastination! Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right?

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As believers, we can be just as guilty. In these current post-Covid days, we see this a lot. I’m going to get back in church soon. The kids just really love watching church online in their pajamas. It is so much more convenient. Covid changed things, for sure. But it is time to return to our places of worship. I know a lot of believers out there agree. Some people may have legitimate reasons for being home, but most don’t have an excuse.

But this isn’t just about going to church. The greater risk we face daily in our priorities is simply putting God first. Matthew 6:33 says it clearly. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” A command with a promise. What more could you ask for? Read that verse in its full context later. Jesus told us how to prioritize.

My habit each morning is to get in God’s Word and pray. Some habits are good ones. This is one of those. When I don’t get this done first thing in the morning, I feel I have robbed myself of something. I truly believe the Lord has a special message each day for me. It may be a word of encouragement or one of chastisement. Either way, I am blessed because I am seeking Him first. Give it a try. Stick with it. You will be blessed.

Give me the discipline, Lord, to do what You ask of me each and every day.

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Accountability, Attention, Belief, Bible, Commands, Faithfulness, Ministry, Power, Scripture

WHEN GOD SAYS, “JUMP”

HABAKKUK 3:6

“He stood and caused the earth to shudder; He looked and caused the nations to jump. Yes, the everlasting mountains were shattered, the ancient hills collapsed. His paths are everlasting.”

You’ve all heard the expression when someone is in charge and wants immediate responses. When they say, “Jump,” you are supposed to ask, “How high?” In other words, don’t question the directive. Just do it. Some parents are that way. Some bosses are that way.

Habakkuk describes God that way. Even the earth and the nations respond to God immediately. Habakkuk tells us the mountains are scattered at His voice. The ancient hills collapse. God’s power is incredible. He can literally cause the universe to change. We would do well to remember that as we interact with the Holy of holies.

APPLICATION

The world today seems to belittle or limit God. Many do not believe He is capable of the miraculous anymore. Those days are gone or so they think. God has shown off in the past but not anymore. Don’t believe that for a second. He is still up to the incredible.

As I travel the globe in my ministry, I hear stories told of the dead being brought back to life. I hear about villages being supernaturally protected from the evil forces who want to destroy them. God is still about the miraculous. He is not done showing the world who He is and what He is capable of.

And the greatest miracle of all is the miracle He does in the life of a sinner who comes to Jesus. He totally cleanses that person of their sins and gives them a new life in Christ. He sets them on His everlasting path towards glory and gives them a new purpose. That’s miraculous!

Father, forgive me when I doubt Your power in my life. I can do nothing without You.

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Answers, Asking, Belief, Bible, Confidence, Faithfulness, God's Will, Listening, Scripture

RIGHT ON TIME, JUST IN TIME

HABAKKUK 2:3

“‘For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay long.’”

Aren’t you glad God is never late? I know! I know! We often think He is, don’t we? I can remember a few times in my life when I tried to hurry Him up. “Come on, God. Don’t you see me down here? When are you going to do something?” Don’t judge me. You have prayed the same thing, lol.

God tells Habakkuk that the vision He is receiving is for “the appointed time.” He doesn’t tell him when. He just reassures him that it 1) hurries toward the goal, 2) will not fail, 3) will certainly come, and 4) will not delay. Now, this is God speaking, so Habakkuk knows he can trust the message.

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God is always right on time. He is always just in time. He is always aware of the clock. He doesn’t always wait to the eleventh hour. Sometimes He reacts quickly. I have known prayers that were answered as soon as they were lifted up (or so it seemed). Other prayers were repeated for years until He answered.

Whether quick or delay, His answer will come. He promises that. I have shared several verses in the past about answered prayers. Let me encourage you to do a study on prayer through Scripture. Look up and read all the prayers that are recorded. It may surprise you to see how God worked in each and every situation.

How do you handle waiting? I am naturally a pretty impatient guy. I hate waiting at restaurants. I won’t stay if the wait is longer than ½ an hour. But God has taught me to wait on Him. I know all His messages in His Word are true. I know He is sending His Son to take us home. I will wait. How about you?

I will wait on You, Lord. You will accomplish Your work in due time – Your time.

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Bible, Captivity, Despair, Devil, Enemies, Evil, Faithfulness, Satan, Scripture, Submission, Surrender, Trust

WILL IT EVER STOP?

HABAKKUK 1:17

“Will they therefore empty their net, and continually slay nations without sparing?”

(This is blog #2500. I cannot believe it. I began these post on January 1, 2016. I am about to finish my 7th year of writing these daily blogs. Please pray for me as I seek the Lord as I write these each day.)

The rise of evil and its spread throughout the world seems to never cease. It just gets worse and worse. Just the moment you think it can’t get any worse, it does. The depth of evil a person will plunge is beyond our imaginations. Will there ever be an end to this? When will God step in and stop it?

That’s the question Habakkuk is asking at the end of Chapter One. God has shown him this vision of the Chaldeans coming in and defeating them. He knows of their ruthlessness. He does not want his people to suffer. He is crying out to God, “When will they stop? Will they ever stop? Haven’t they done enough?”

APPLICATION

You may have been under spiritual attack from the evil one and have cried out the same as Habakkuk. “Lord, when will it end? I can’t take much more of this.” Trials come in all shapes and sizes. Some last a long time and others are over quickly. It is those that linger that truly test us.

We must remember, though, that God will not put on us more than we can handle with His help. We surely cannot handle it on our own, but as we submit and surrender to Him, we can get through whatever it is we face. There may still be dark days as you trust Him, but we are assured of His faithfulness.

I have faced these challenges. I have shared about some of them in my blog posts of the past. Suffice it to say, I have learned these lessons the hard way. There have been times when I entered a trial fully trusting. Then there are other times I went in kicking and screaming. But through them all I have found my Lord to be right there with me, sustaining and nurturing me. Will you rest in Him in the midst of your struggles?

Father, in Your strong hands I place myself. Do with me as You see fit.

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Abiding, Battles, Bible, Faithfulness, Scripture, Trust

UNSHAKEABLE

NAHUM 3:12

“All your fortifications are fig trees with ripe fruit—when shaken, they fall into the eater’s mouth.”

When I read this verse, my mind flashed back to an old Sandy Patty song, “Unshakeable Kingdom.” In case you don’t know that song, here is the link to see the video:

The chorus ends with this:

The kingdom of God
A kingdom that will never end
The living unshakeable kingdom of God, of God!

Nahum, of course, was prophesying just the opposite of the enemies of God. They were shakeable. They were vulnerable. They could be destroyed. God proved that by wiping them out. But thanks be to God, since we are in His kingdom, we are not.

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Maybe you have been shaken. Perhaps you have faced obstacles and challenges that have rocked you to your core. This life is hard sometimes, I know. We have all faced things that test our faith. I want to reassure you that God is not shaken by those things.

Whatever you are dealing with, God is bigger. There is nothing that He cannot deal with if you will let Him. He will lift you out of the miry clay and set you on solid ground. He will pick you up, dust you off and put you back on the path He has chosen for you.

Is it easy? No! Is it worth it to trust? You had better believe it. Speaking from experience, I can tell you it is. I have had my tests. I have not been faithful in some of them. I have failed some tests. What does God do? He allows me to try it again – til I get it right. That is really a privilege. That may sound crazy, but with each test I learn to trust Him more. So can you!

Father, I trust You. I want to prove my faithfulness to You. I am yours.

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Abiding, Allies, Battles, Bible, Confidence, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Will, Promises, Scripture

MISPLACED CONFIDENCE 

NAHUM 3:9 

“Ethiopia was her might, Egypt too, without limits. Put and Lubim were among her helpers.” 

Have you ever had someone you were depending on let you down? It is no fun feeling. Your hopes seemed dashed. You get angry at that person and then you get sad. Emotions are always a part of this kind of disappointment. What do you do with those emotions? 

Nahum was reminding Nineveh that no one can depend on any earthly power. He gives the example of No-Amon who depended on Ethiopia and Egypt for her might. Historical records have shown their armies numbered in the millions, like sand on the seashore. But No-Amon still fell. Only God’s power is eternal. 

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I pray you have not suffered the fate of misplaced dependence. Let me reassure you – people will let you down. I have promised people that I will eventually disappoint them. I am not perfect and have never claimed to be. I know my failures. Do you? 

As believers, we know our only certain source of strength lies in Jesus Christ. Only He can sustain us. Read these words from Psalm 62. “5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Hm. 6 Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” 

Aren’t those great words? I just love that He is my rest, my hope, my rock, my salvation, my fortress, my salvation, the source of my honor, my mighty rock and my refuge. If that doesn’t give you confidence, nothing will. Trust Him today! 

I shall trust in You at all times, my God and my Savior. 

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Accountability, Advice, Appeasement, Bible, Calling, Choices, Discipline, Faithfulness, God's Will, Looking, Modeling, Scripture

ALL FOR NOTHING 

MICAH 6:15 

“‘You will sow but you will not harvest. You will tread the olive press but will not anoint yourself with oil; and tread out sweet wine, but you will not drink any wine.’” 

I have been trying to learn some more Swahili and, for the first time, some French. The app I am using has some timed lessons. If you do not finish the lesson in the time given, you have to start again. All that concentration and all that work for nothing. It can be a little frustrating. 

God told the people that all their work (sowing and treading) will be for naught. They will harvest nothing. They will not get enough oil for anointing or wine to drink. Somehow, they had to learn that all they had came from Him. Those blessings required obedience, which they had not shown. 

APPLICATION 

Are you spinning your wheels for God and getting nothing back? Well, maybe you are spinning the wrong wheels. We make the mistake all the time of “doing” for God. We think if we just stay busy He will bless us. I hate to disappoint you, but that is not how it works. What He initiates He anoints, not what you initiate. 

Now James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God does want us to serve Him and to accomplish His plans. That requires “doing.” One person has said we have to put feet to our prayers. Just be careful to make sure you clear it with the Lord first. 

I was taught by my dad to show initiative. That is a good trait to have unless your initiative is self-driven and not God-driven. The joy of knowing that you are doing what the Lord has called you to do is so delightful. Do not spin your wheels trying to “do” for God. Stop, pray and let Him show you what it is He would have you do. 

Lord, slow me down and help me see Your grand plan for me. I want to serve where You want me to serve. 

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