II Corinthians 4: 1-2 ” Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.”

In a Believer’s life I think there isn’t anything potentially more volatile than  secret sins.   Hidden sins will lead us to compromise and dilute the truth in our own mind…rationalizing things until we can live with ourselves.   They cause us to hide things out of shameful awareness and dispair…which spirals us down the slippery slope into depression.  Secret sins need to be dealt with…not left to simmer and develop into more.  Besides, you’re only fooling yourself if you think that hidden sins are really  hidden.

John 6: 67-69 ” ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.’ “

Other followers had turned away, but the Twelve Disciples knew something they didn’t.  They had the certainty  and  assurance only given to them by the Father above.  And this  faith that Jesus was truly the Messiah was evident in Peter’s response…”Who else can we follow, for only You have the Words of Life…only You are the long awaited Messiah.”

Jeremiah 23: 23-24 ” ‘ Am I only a God nearby?’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I can not see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.”

God is omnipresent…present everywhere at the same time, which is extremely difficult for the human brain to wrap itself around.  We would like to put God in a nice simple box, but He can’t be contained…His power and majesty unable to be held within the boundaries.  So attempting to escape the Lord is futile…there is simply  no hiding place that the Lord can’t find you.  You may run, but you can’t hide.  The Lord will pursue you to the ends of the earth until you finally turn to Him…so why not do it today?  Really, aren’t you tired of running?

Numbers 13: 27-28 ” They gave Moses this account: ‘We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.’ “

In Exodus 3:8, the Lord had promised Moses a land flowing with milk and honey, and the 12 spies hadn’t denied this was what they observed.  But of the 12 spies, only Caleb and Joshua brought back a good report…the rest only saw the negatives and potential threats.  How many times have you allowed the word “but” to totally stop the will of God in your life?  How many times have you heard the voice of the Lord,  but the “giants in the land” scared you into doing nothing?  It’s time to move beyond fear, and what we perceive as unsurmountable odds…it’s time to claim our nation  again for God.

Psalm 47: 7-8 ” For God is King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.”

God is still on the throne. The Lord’s sovereignty and dominance is in operation in the world, and  no amount of human speculation can compare to His plans and purposes He has in store for this nation…this world.  Lord, You sit on Your throne judging righteously and reigning over the nations with grace and mercy.  We ask for a spirit of unity to sweep over the earth that we may become one under You.

Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

Send us O Lord.   We are a complacent  people, giving in to our comfort and self.  We are filled with excuses and justification of why we can’t  obey Your Word when You say “Go!”    Show us Lord the way…direct our paths for Your glory…drive us out of the four walls of the Church into Your Church – the world.   Give us Your passion for the lost…Your fire for the perishing.      Send us O Lord.

Isaiah 50:4 ” He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.”

Wake us O Lord.   We have walked so far from You that many no longer hear Your voice.  We are an apathetic and disengaged people…thinking someone else will kindle the fire within us.  Our spiritual lethargy squelches our passion and excitement to read Your Word and obey.   Lord, stir Your people…let us shake off our indifference and give you our undivided attention.  Wake us up O Lord.

Ephesians 1: 18-19 ” I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. “

As Paul prayed this for the Church in Ephesus, I too pray this over you today.   I ask the Lord to shine a light on His Word that you may have understanding and confidence in His purpose and plan for your life.  I ask that He show you very plainly that you are a precious child of His, and an heir of heaven.

Psalm 33:4 ” For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.”

We’ve all been lied to…we’ve  all had trust issues. For we live in a fallen world where telling the truth and honoring your word are  laughed at.   And it’s the people we should be able to trust the most that hurt us the deepest.  But God is trustworthy and steadfast…He is faithful and just.  You can believe in His word and trust Him with your life.

Psalm 41:12 ” In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever.”

If you’ve asked Jesus Christ into your life…if you call yourself a Believer…if you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind – nothing can or will ever take you from Him.  Your destiny and eternal life is securely established in Him forever.