Month: February 2023

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

/ James Penner / 1 Comment

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him (Jesus) who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Famed “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” actress Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says:

I’m Possible!”

Paul, the author of the book of Romans, lays out an intriguing thought to demonstrate that no matter the odds, no matter how hard we get hit in life, anything is possible because we are more than conquerors. Paul says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all those these things we are more than conquerors for nothing can separate us from God’s love”. That also means nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from God’s promises, of which we have described dozens in this post over the past few months. Take heart and keep moving forward. Your have the King of kings in your corner.

Cross Your Ocean

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“Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?” Exodus 14:11

In the book of Exodus, God rescued the nation of Israel from slavery in Egypt and led them toward the promised land. The triumphant mood soon hit a brick wall at the Red Sea, with no way to cross, and the Egyptian army bearing down after Pharaoh changed his mind about their pardon. You’ve seen the movie. You know the story’s ending. God parted the waters and they went on their way.

What Is Your Red Sea Today?

Indeed, there are times in life when we all face our version of a Red Sea, with no visible way out and no possible way to cross. We toil and spin (yell and scream and cry) just like the children of Israel did in Exodus 14:11 about our predicament, when the answer is right in front of us. Look up! Give your Red Sea to God, then be prepared for miracles as the waters part.

Believe For The Best

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“I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

Every morning that you wake up you have the opportunity to believe the best about the day in front of you. This is not because you believe in the so-called “the law of attraction” – that you attract positive or negative outcomes through positive or negative thought. This concept, like many others in history, is mans attempt to substitute the principles in God’s word for secular concepts that kick God to the curb. The reality is, you can believe for the best in your life, because,

God Promises Us The Best.

Psalm 27:13 says we can “believe that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”. “The land of the living” today is you and I. It’s our choice to believe that in this many times maddening world God’s goodness will shine through. Such hope is not just for hope sake, but is actually grounded in and throughout God’s word. Indeed, one small positive thought can change your whole day.

Claim It!

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“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

I’ve met so many people who shy away from asking God for anything. Perhaps it’s out of fear that they will be treating God like a “vending machine.” The problem is, failing to bring your needs and hearts desires to God goes against a significant directive that Jesus Himself taught to us. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7,

“Ask And It Shall Be Given Unto You”

Just a few lines later Jesus further clarifies this statement by saying “who among you, if your child asks you for bread would you give him a stone.” It’s crystal clear in black and white that God as your Heavenly Father wants to, and knows how to, give good things when you actually open your mouth and ask Him. Yes, be reverent. Yes, be humble. But also, be bold, believing that God will be faithful to His word. Stop being shy about approaching God, your Heavenly Father, for your needs, for blessings, for healing, for whatever is in your heart. Jesus said ask, which gives you the right to do so. What are you waiting for?

Look Again!

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“There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” 1 Kings 18:44

All the stories about the drought in the Western United States brings to mind the story of Elijah in 1 Kings. There had been a severe drought in the land and Elijah had told the King not to worry, rain was on the way. God would provide. In the story, Elijah sends a young man to the top of a hill to watch for signs of rain. Six times this young man returned saying it doesn’t look promising. No rain in sight. Yet in each of those six times, Elijah simply responds, and says,

Go Look Again!

On the seventh try, the young man returns and says, “there is a small cloud rising out of the sea.” Instantly Elijah knew that God had been faithful and that rain was on the way. He was right for a few hours later the skies opened up and the downpour began. How many times have you prayed for a blessing only to seemingly have been forgotten by God. Take heart and don’t give up. Pray again and look up. Your breakthrough is on the horizon. God is always faithful, and His timing is impeccable.

Sincerely Blessed

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“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

The film Forrest Gump captured our imagination, placing Forrest into historical milestones in history and demonstrating that roadblocks in our lives are many times opportunities to grow. Yet sailing to the top of the list of reasons this incredible film has endured is that Forrest is pure in heart, and it’s on display for all to see.

Pure In Heart Is About Sincerity, Not Perfection

God does not expect perfection from us, but asks that we strive to be pure in heart (sincere) in both our relationship with Him, and with those around us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that such a desire to be sincere comes with Blessings from God. I pray today that such blessings shower your life in amazing ways.

Chin Up!

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I will lift up my eyes to the hills, From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121

My first trip to the famed Chateau Lake Louise in Canada unlocked wonders I have never seen before. A crystal clear lake perfectly reflecting the snow capped peaks surrounding the shore. With such a backdrop I soon learned that there wasn’t much a view in looking down. Down revealed mostly my dirty shoes and a few scattered ants and bugs. Occasionally I would come across grass or flowers, but mostly in looking down I saw problems. Yet, when I changed my perspective and looked up,

Looking Up Is Where The Action Is

You may find yourself spending too much time in life looking down. Looking up means dreaming something new, seeing the splendor around you, or finding hope in a hopeless situation. Looking up means looking into the face of God, for that is where your help comes from. Yesterday’s post talked about God being our endless supply. Look up, it’s time to realize your help comes from the Lord.

Perfect Supply

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“For I am God, your God….I own the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50

It’s interesting to note that of all we make; homes, cars, clothes, computers, it all comes from this one home God gave to us called earth. Nothing is shipped over from Jupiter or Mars. Everything we have comes via “recycling” raw materials which God has already provided. It all belongs to God, and yet He shares freely with us by saying over and over again,

“I Am Your Supply”

With a simple two minute search I found over 40 bible verses where God says, He is our supply. None more powerful than Deuteronomy 28, in which God provides a very long laundry list of blessings He is prepared to supply to those who love Him. God literally says He will, “Open the heavens, and the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on our land, and bless the work of our hands.” Look to God, and be prepared for rain.

A Little Grace

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God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

In his letter to the people of Corinth, Greece, Paul bears his soul for us. He laments a challenge he’s personally having, one he’s asked God multiple times to remove. We don’t know what that personal flaw is, but it bothers him to the point of praying for its removal. God responds to him by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in (your) weakness.”

We All Need A Little Grace

We all have flaws, and yet God’s grace is endless. God forgives freely and asks us to do the same, both forgiving ourselves and others. Give yourself some grace today and freely spread it to those around you.

Be Still

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“He leads me beside the still waters…” Psalm 23:2

God said in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” We can understand what that means when we read the 23rd Psalm. Our lives can be a mash up of stress and activity pulling us in any manner of directions. Yet there is an invaluable source of peace and inner calm that comes when you quiet yourself before the Lord. Sometimes not much needs to be said. It’s more of a letting go and trusting that God has you in the palm of His hand. Simply say,

“Lord, Lead Me Beside Still Waters.”

In such moments I am reminded that God is in every detail of my life. From stormy seas to tranquil waters and everything in-between. I breathe and His name is on my lips. I slumber and I feel His protection. I work and I feel Him carrying me. What is faith? It’s a relationship, beyond words. Its your soul reaching toward heaven only to find that God was right beside you all along, just waiting for you to look into His eyes and say, yes.