Robert and Laura Nance: "Monthly-Devotions"

All Monthly Devotions are written by Robert and Laura. To read the current devotion while viewing ARTWORK by Laura and listening to MUSIC by Robert - click on this link:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

We may not always see what God sees but we can believe what God says.

Concerning the choices we make each day, we must choose to draw close to the true and living God and listen for His voice. We must desire His perfect will.

People and circumstances might oppose us but God has a Master plan. He can out-play any man or the devil. God is in control; He is superior to all!

When we can't see God working in our lives and we ask "why" or when we think our experience is not matching our expectation it's because we're trusting in our own finite understanding. It is only when we seek God's infinite wisdom that we will not be asking why and we will not be questioning our experience.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans: 8:28

"Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4

This Scripture in Philippians was penned by a prisoner who for many years had been mobbed by riotous crowds, had suffered brutal beatings and had been stoned by those who sought to destroy him and the Gospel he preached. The Apostle Paul goes on to say in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Whether we find ourselves in a situation, which is bright as a sunny day or as problematic and dim as darkest night, we are to rejoice. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Joy is an awareness of God's supenatural love for us. Joy in the Lord is continuous, based on the relationship we have as His children, while happiness may come and go relative to our circumstances. God's Word commands us to rejoice even during those times when the going gets rough and there are no visible means of support.

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

In Hebrew the word "rejoice" means to jump up and down, and "joy" is to spin around (hilarious, jubilant).

We can weep over circumstances but at the same time we are to be mindful that our mighty and powerful God, who loves us with a true and everlasting love, is faithful and able to supply all of our needs through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rejoice in the Lord… always!

"Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

Come to God with each decision to be made - even when the step you are about to take seems "obvious" to you. Our finite minds can't comprehend our infinite God's thoughts and ways… we must lean on Him... seek His direction… His will. We are often unwilling to wait… we fail to trust in His timing. Our Omniscient God knows what He is doing… He has a plan for my life… a plan for your life!

We need not be fearful and anxious… our God is Faithful and Just to calm our hearts and strengthen us.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24

"See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5: 15-17

God's Word reveals that our walk must be careful, diligent, perfect, Spirit-filled. The wise man or woman will seek to know the will of the Lord. It is not wise to lean on my own understanding or leave God out of my plans. God allows us to make choices. As Christians, since we have already chosen His way: repentance, forgiveness, salvation, eternal life…. let us delight in walking with the True and Living Holy God along the straight and narrow path.

As captives set free, we need not fall prey to entrapments as found in the foolish things of the world. We are victorious in Christ and God does not desire that we miss out on His abundant blessing for us as we follow His perfect plan for our lives. When we delight in the Lord God and hunger and thirst for God's Word… His love-letter to us… we find hope, peace, healing, comfort and joy.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us determine, as we awaken each day, to walk His way… circumspectly… as heavenly minded people, who are "heaven bound" for all eternity to come!

We look forward to meeting you there… In His Presence!


In Christ, Robert and Laura

Jesus said… If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

We get to know the True and Living God as we read and study His Word. The Word of God is our instruction manual as well as our love letter from the Lord. God will work through the Scriptures to separate the spiritual things from the soulish things. The Spirit of God in your heart and mind will allow you to say "no" to the things of darkness. The Truth sets us free from bondage.

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:3-4

I thought about how, as a small child, on one occasion my Mom looked me in the eye and said: "Tell me the truth, just tell me the truth". I was startled. "Wow… Mom is so serious… the truth must be very important", I considered. Little did I realize that one day many years later, something far more startling, would happen to me. It was that precious day when through His mercy and grace, I came to know the True and Living God and recognize the Truth of His Living Word. How glorious to know that I will spend eternity thanking, praising and worshiping Him… Hallelujah!

The entirety of Your Word is Truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. Psalm 119:160

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8

In Matthew's Gospel Jesus tells us that we are "the light of the world". We are to be walking in light.

Ephesians 4:30-32 gives insight to what may cause us to walk in darkness rather than light. Importantly, Scripture reveals the remedy for this condition. "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake has forgiven you."

If you find yourself venturing out into spiritually dark areas where you can readily plunge downward, think prayerfully and not pridefully about the steps you are taking. It takes "Light", the Holy Spirit, for you to "see". The Spirit reveals the truths of God. When your eyes are open to the Spirit... your whole life is light.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Let us bask in the "Sonshine" of His love, as we walk with Jesus, the "Light of the World".

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." "Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand." Ephesians 6:11-13

God's Word instructs us to "put on the whole armor of God" - not just part of the armor, the whole armor - the complete covering. Leave no opening through which the enemy can enter. The devil wants to devour and destroy. The enemy sees our nakedness and vulnerability. He knows where we are weak - the battle is fierce. The enemy wants control of our minds. Sometimes there are tests, trials or attacks. When the fiery darts hit - home… relationships… job… finances… health… etc. we need to use the right weapons. Stay dressed in the whole armor of God - don't let your guard down. If you don't understand it is a spiritual battle up front, you are not going to stand!

When fear hits... it is not of God! The mind of the flesh is death. The mind of the spirit is life and peace. Sometimes in our moment of pain, weakness, anxiety... we lose perspective. Trust God.

When we delight in God's Word; when we seek and trust our God of grace and mercy, we can find rest, even while in the midst of a storm, knowing for certain that God is working everything together for our good! "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:14-18

The Bible says…"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the Name of the Son of God. Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." 1 John 5:11-15

We must never think of praying for God to change His will to do what we want… we want His will only! Jesus gave us instruction… regarding prayer. "When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: 'Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…" Matthew 6:7-10

PRAY WITH US
"O Father God, how blessed we are when we abide in Your perfect will for our lives. We Praise You Jesus for Your sacrificial, everlasting Love for us. Thank You Holy Spirit for discernment, counsel and guidance. Let this be our prayer today… that we truly seek and love You, Lord, with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind, and all of our strength… that we praise and worship You, God, from the depths of our hearts… that we trust and obey… that we pray without ceasing… and in everything give thanks, for this is Your will for us… in the Name of Christ, Jesus… we pray… Amen."

"My son, if you receive My Words, and treasure My Commands within you so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding, Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

Are you seeking and trusting God and His Word… or in finite trinkets and worldly possessions? Are you focusing on eternal security in heaven, or temporal earthly comforts?

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10, when the rich young ruler asked Jesus "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus said, "You know the Commandments," and He expounded on those. The young man responded that he had observed them from his youth. Jesus, looking at him, and loving him, said, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross and follow Me". We are told that the rich young man was sad at this word, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions.

The affluent young man felt the need for something more. However, his heart was tangled up in material things. He was blinded as to the sin in his life and did not understand just how spiritually impoverished he was. Given the choice to make Jesus the highest priority in his life, the young man couldn't let go of his worldly treasure. Jesus wanted him to see that the very thing he wouldn't let go of was what had a hold on his heart.

Is your heart bound by some earthly treasure, of which you will not let go? Jesus wants us to give up whatever holds us back from a full surrender to Him.

"The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." PSALM 19:7-8

God's Word is without errors, flawless, faultless, converting the soul. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Testimony of the LORD is sure making wise the simple. The Statutes of the LORD are right, consistent, moral, rejoicing the heart. The Hebrew word for Rejoice is translated: "Jump up and down"! We can weep over circumstances but rejoice in the LORD! We are to keep our eyes on the LORD; He is in control.

The Commandment of the LORD is pure, virtuous, enlightening the eyes. Matthew 6:22 tells us, "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light." We read in Matthew 5 that we are the light of the world and we are to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father, who is in heaven. A believer has no inherent light but the reflective light of Christ. We must be a reflection of the Son within us. Some years ago, I shared the Gospel and prayed with my physician in California, and she asked Jesus into her heart. I had witnessed to her, but she indicated to me that she had seen the light of the Lord in my husband's face.

The Word of God has value that cannot be measured against anything else. God's Word is sweet, soothing, healing to the heart & mind. We receive instruction… prophecy tells us of the past, present and future.

At the moment of my own conversion God showed me to never ever doubt a Word of Scripture as long as I have breath! Has God shown you to never doubt His Word? If not, I urge you to seek His face and ask Him to speak to your heart today, as you study His Word.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

The Greek word translated "prayer" is deesis, which means to bow down. Fervent prayer is when we are continually, earnestly seeking the Lord God with all our heart. We need to pray humbly with a pure heart. Our hearts should be filled with the love of Christ. We need to pray passionately from deep within. Such prayer is powerful and effective and opens the door for God to do wondrous things.

Many times we pray without being in harmony with God's purpose. Our heart needs to be in harmony with God's heart. God is always ready to receive us and listen to us. Every moment of the day we can come into the presence of God through our relationship with Christ.

How awesome that we have a God who desires to guide, control and lead in every area of our lives. He will balance and bless everything beyond what we can imagine.

When you pray, do you yearn for God's will to be done? Give everything to God in prayer and once you are fully surrendered and desire only His perfect will for your life, you will be able to experience His peace which passes all understanding no matter which direction His hand is guiding you in. He may walk you through a sunlit garden or steer you through a dimly lit valley or pilot you up to a mountaintop. He wants to hold you close and embrace you in His love every step of the way.

Are you consistent, persistent and committed to praying? Prayer must be the "first" resort and not the "last" resort.

The Word of God instructs us to: "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

God will allow trials and tests. In spite of any trial, pain, or rejection - we must never doubt God's love for us, that He is in control and has a plan which He is going to work out for our own good. It is vital that we surrender all to Him and let Him deliver us and heal our wounds and guide us. He will shape us into useful instruments for His purposes.

We read in Mark 3:20: "Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, "He is out of His mind".

Jesus did not take the time to eat as He ministered to the crowds of people. His family, who were not enlightened as to His Spiritual nature, but thinking of Jesus on a human or physical level, attempted to take control and rescue Him from what they saw as an imposing crowd, and saying "He is irrational or crazy".

As I am so comfortable with my own situation and what I think I already know (and desire), when Jesus begins to do things or make changes which differ from my perspective or assumption of what He should do, I can easily conclude that I am the one who sees things clearly - I am right and therefore there is something wrong with Him. As you read through Mark 3:20-35 it seems apparent that this was happening with both His family and the religious leaders. How does their reaction compare with your response to Jesus regarding His work in your life today?

Are you currently walking in the fullness of the Spirit and from an eternal perspective able to say, "Yes, He is my Lord and I will do as He says. I trust Him". Or are you looking at your situation with a fleshly and temporal view of things, where you are unyielding and finding yourself saying, "No. This is not the way I see it." Then, my friend, you must understand and admit that you are saying of Jesus: "He is out of His mind".

Desire to please "self" - leads us to stress and anxiety; it hardens the heart and makes us bitter. When we take our eyes off Jesus we get anxious, we lose our peace, rest and joy.

How are you responding to God with regards to what He is doing in your life beloved? Let us commit our way unto God. Put our trust in the Lord. God works out all things - not just isolated incidents - for our good.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes that it may bear more fruit." John 15:1-2

God the Father is the "vinedresser", Jesus is the "true vine" and the Holy Spirit is the "living water". We are the branches of the true vine. Jesus goes on to say, in John 15:4: "Abide in Me and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me".

We cannot bear fruit unless we abide in Christ. Have you been abiding in Christ? Have you been listening earnestly and longingly for the voice of the LORD God? Have you been seeking Him each day? If so, have you felt the gentle loving touch of the Master Gardener as you walked along the garden path? Have you been reaping the benefits of His love and wisdom so as not to face the challenges of life in your own inadequate strength and ability?

While preparing a study relating to "The Master's Garden", I was typing Eve's response to God (Genesis 3:13). "And the LORD God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' And the woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate." My fingers somehow had moved out of place on the keyboard, and I looked up to see that what I had typed as Eve's response was gibberish. How appropriate - we need to be mindful that when we do anything, outside of the will of God, the results will be unfruitful; and our excuses, merely gibberish.

As we abide in Christ, God cultivates the soil and removes the choking, damaging and entangling weeds so that we can bear abundant fruit. God wants to create a clean fertile heart in each of us. Let us praise God as He does the pruning, as it is He who works everything together for the good for those who are the called according to His purpose. Rejoice! He is preparing you and me for the ultimate harvest.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose hope is in the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

"...And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality." Colossians 3:23-25

To be called a servant of God is an honor and a privilege. In no way is it to be considered a menial position. A servant of God is characterized by humility and concern for others, and is moved by sincere desire to do God's will. We are to be a bondservant (Greek - doulos) of Christ. We are both to serve the Lord as a doulos, and to serve others as a diakonos. (Greek for helper or minister). (Colossians 3:24)

Consider these words to the following song:

*"MAKE ME THE SERVANT"

Shield my ears to words of praise which aren't meant for You.

Keep my heart from selfish thoughts; take away all my fleshly desire.

Cradle me in Your arms each day just like a newborn babe,

Lord help me to never go astray, let me walk in the light of Your Word.

Make me the servant I so long to be, break me into Your humble child.

Filled with Your Spirit 'til all shall see… Jesus living in me.

Cover my sight to the lusts of the world; help me to see through Your eyes.

Open my lips to speak boldly of You, Lord teach me to share Your love.

Make me the servant I so long to be, break me into Your humble child.

Filled with Your Spirit 'til all shall see… Jesus living in me...

Jesus living in me.

*Lyrics taken from: "Jesus Only You" CD by Robert and Laura Nance


"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." John 12:26

"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 6:20-21

Millions of people in this world are seeking, searching and longing - hoping the realization of some earthly pursuit will fill the deep well of emptiness that gnaws at them from within.

Material "stuff" causes us to be worried and frustrated, whereas the things of the Spirit bring hope and peace. You may be among the many individuals who have suffered extensive loss due to the financial crisis in the world today, but you say you are still hopeful. Is your hope in man and mammon? Or is your hope in God Who created Heaven and earth?

Shortly after becoming a Spirit-filled believer, as I earnestly prayed for cleansing and the humility to totally surrender myself, God showed me something amazing. I suddenly had a clear picture as to certain things, which needed to be changed or removed from my life. One by one, as these encumbrances were discarded I experienced a sense of freedom and peace beyond what I could ever have imagined.

You can never be satisfied with the "stuff" you collect. Jesus warns us against laying up earthly treasures, which will ultimately prove to be worthless. Whether you invest in earthly treasures or heavenly treasures affects who you are and where your heart is. Do you have something you know God is showing you to surrender to Him today?

We need not waste too much time with temporal things; we need to keep an "eternal perspective".

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6: 25-26

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17

Jesus said… I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

God's crowning achievement is redemption. Saved by God's grace - I have eternal life - I am an heir - a child of the King. I have God's Word - His Promise - His Truth. Jesus, our Messiah, is on every page of Scripture. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus is the Word. Jesus is the Way, He is the Truth and He is the Life! My hope for eternal life, my assurance of eternal life is in Christ's blood that was shed for me… a sinner… saved by grace!

Don't let it grieve your heart when confronted by the many forms of deception so prevalent in these times. As Solomon penned centuries ago in the book of Ecclesiastes "there is nothing new under the sun"! Praise God that the Truth has set you free and that your hope is in the Son… His Son.

Beloved in Christ, let us take this moment to pause and give thanks and praise to the Lord God, as you consider His abundant Love for you.

* "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD"
You are The Way - How awesome is Your presence
I lift my hands and Praise Your Name
You are The Truth - Every knee shall bow
And every tongue proclaim:
Jesus Christ is Lord! Jesus Christ is Lord!
Son of God, Emmanuel - Jesus You're my Lord
And evermore - You shall reign.
You are the Life - You fill my heart with joy
With love that's everlasting
All power and might - My strength and my song
My Savior Lord - The Way The Truth The Life
Jesus Christ is Lord! Jesus Christ is Lord!
Son of God, Emmanuel - Jesus You're my Lord
And evermore - You shall reign.


*Lyrics taken from: "Jesus Only You" CD by Robert and Laura Nance

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

When we truly are "anxious for nothing", pray about everything and give thanks to God for all things, we come to know the awesome blessing of this profound peace which surpasses all measure of our finite understanding.

On a cold winter afternoon, a friend of ours was driving with her two handsome young sons, down a winding mountain road. As she anticipated they might encounter patches of ice along the way, she drove cautiously.

During the usual series of twisting turns, at one of the steepest points of the drive, the car began to slide over the icy roadway. Unable to steer, she said: "boys the car is out of control". In spite of the helpless situation, she found she was experiencing absolute calm and peace.

Suddenly, the car stopped; one of the front wheels was hanging off the side of the mountain. They were astounded to see that the wheel was actually leaning against a very small tree, which was jutting up from below. Yes, from all appearances, they were that close to plunging to the ground thousands of feet below. Yes, the little tree God had planted had blocked their fall. They gave thanks and praise to God.

God knows the number of hairs on our heads; God knows the number of our days. Let us be reminded to keep our communication with God open. When we are in touch with Him on a regular basis - in His Word, in prayer and with thanksgiving - His peace, which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, no matter what our circumstances.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I test the conscience, even to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9-11

It is so important that we examine ourselves. How about those "good deeds" of yours? What is the motive behind what you do? Even with those good things, are you doing something good for others or primarily desiring to bring attention to yourself?

Is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit? Is there pride? Is there some unspoken sin or grudge you are holding in your heart? For example, you may be driving your car and someone accidentally cuts you off. Someone may inadvertently jump ahead of you in the line at the grocery store. Are you a respecter of persons - would you respond differently according to who the person is - or what they are wearing? In either case, let's say you react in some angry or unkind way and then say…"Oh no, that is not me, I'm really a nice person". You know what? It is you! That was your response, your reaction to an action. Do you see the problem?

"The Lord sees not as man sees for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

A root of bitterness can grow and make you more and more cynical and disagreeable, difficult to be around. We must recognize that God, who searches the innermost depths of our hearts, knows the truth about each one of us.

Praise God, Christian. Our Lord loves us and is a God of grace. He is merciful and ever waiting and wanting to forgive and to cleanse, so that we can start afresh. Is there something you need to surrender to the Lord today?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Our "hope" is usually in what we know and see. We are prone to examine and analyze rather than trust God and step out in faith. The Scriptures tell us in Hebrews 11:6 that "without faith it is impossible to please God". We read further in chapter 11, that Abraham when he was "called" he "obeyed". God's Word tells us to "walk by faith and not by sight". This is what Abraham did.

Money can buy a mountain but faith can move a mountain. Rather than pray for financial gain or material things, pray for faith - unwavering faith. While faith does not eliminate problems, when I surrender and yield, God will be in control. Faith will provide an acceptance in my heart of what God is working out in my life; faith will sustain me in the hour of trial.

Are you willing to surrender, to trust God and accept His provision and plan for your life? Is your hope in the Lord who made Heaven and Earth? Do you have unwavering faith and peace with God?

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5

Having completed the "welcome aboard" show on the first night of a seven day cruise, I walked through the large, mostly vacant showroom. Suddenly, a voice hollered: "Love me with all your heart". As he made his way from across the room, the passenger kept excitedly repeating the same words.

That evening, I had sung a song, which included the lyrics this man was echoing. As he approached me, he spoke of how wonderful the song was. I thanked him and asked his name. It appeared that "Keller" was possibly "under the influence".

For the next couple of days, different passengers would approach me concerning Keller. He was always rushing, running, yelling and sometimes shouting "Love me with all your heart" when they would see him.

One evening, out of nowhere, Keller came toward me with outstretched arms. He was crying out: "Love me with all your heart", I said: "Do you know that the Word of God tells us to "love the LORD God with all your heart"? (Deuteronomy 6:5) "Do you realize that God loves you so much "that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"? (John 3:16)

He broke down and began to sob. Just weeks ago, he had lost his beloved wife to cancer. He had taken care of her for many months and now she was gone. He was not under the influence of alcohol nor was he on drugs, but his heart was aching so intensely that he could not allow himself to be still.

I shared further with him that God was calling him, and that God wanted to fill his heart and his life with an abundance of hope, peace joy and love.

After we talked for a while, Keller asked Jesus into his heart to be Lord of his life. His tear-stained countenance immediately changed; he smiled and in a gentle voice said: "I feel so refreshed and at peace, thank you." I said "Don't thank me, thank the Lord God for His love for you."

Let's rejoice and give thanks for the abundant love our Lord has for us! Are you trusting in the Lord? Are you mindful that in your weakness He is strong? Is your life filled with the riches of hope, peace, joy and love? Do you love the LORD God with all your heart?

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

It is amazing to realize that even though we know the Word of God is Truth and the Truth has set us free, if we are not abiding in Christ, The Way, the Truth and The Life - in His Word, in prayer, in praise and worship of Him and in fellowship with Him, then we are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

Sunflowers are particularly neat… as they grow they seem to be reaching with outstretched arms to the heavens above. Their cheerful faces greet the morning sun with a smile, and their uplifted heads follow its path of light throughout the day. Oh, that we would do the same.

We must ask ourselves - Is the Word of God planted in my heart? Am I speaking to God in prayer and listening for and to His voice each day? Am I worshiping Him, praising Him and in fellowship with other believers on a regular basis? Am I bearing the fruit of His Spirit?

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Let the sunflower be a reminder for us to greet the SON in the morning with a smile and to keep our eyes focused on Him every moment of the day!

May you be mightily blessed as you seek His face and bear abundant fruit!

"But now, O LORD, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You our Potter; and all we are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8

We read, in the book of Genesis, that God formed man from the dust of the earth. We were created in His image and we were created for His pleasure!

Every one of us is unique; God didn't use a cookie-cutter when He formed us. We should not be trying to squeeze ourselves into a mold nor should we be interfering with God's work in other people's lives.

A dear woman once shared with us, how years before when she saw herself as more "spiritual" than her husband, she attempted to get him more involved in the things of God. The harder she tried, the less interested he became.

One day, God gave her a vision: A potter was standing at a potter's wheel, patiently and lovingly shaping a clay pot. She then saw how when He left that piece of pottery to work on another, a little hand came up from behind and began to reshape the pot, squishing and patting along the edges.

She realized the "Potter" was the Lord and the clay pot, her husband. Every time God was working in her husband's life and heart, she would come along and mess things up. She repented, stopped interfering, and then marveled at how God worked in and through her husband's life, shaping him into a Godly man.

You may want to take a moment to consider the condition of your own heart. Is it a brittle or splintered piece of pottery? Or is your heart soft and supple clay, ready and eager to be shaped and molded by the hand of the Master Potter?

Our God wants to work in the internal and on the eternal, whereas we often get in the way, working on the external.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6

While brushing our little pup Gabby, I picked several pine needles out of his long hair. He seemed very appreciative.

I started reminiscing about a musician with whom we had worked. While growing up in his native Scotland, he had spent many years as a shepherd. I asked what he considered to be the most difficult problem in caring for sheep. He replied: "Sheep are stupid. If sheep wander into a briar bush, instead of backing away from it, they will push themselves further and deeper until they are so entangled and wounded they will die unless the shepherd comes to their rescue to set them free."

The quickest way for us to get ensnared in bondage is to do what we please rather than what God wants us to do. In Isaiah 53:5 it tells us that Jesus was "wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities".

Are you flirting with or involved in a perilous situation? Are you entangled in a web of helplessness, despair and destruction? God instructs us in His Word, Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

Our Shepherd is able to set us free and apply healing balm to our wounds. "…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep." John 10:10-11

In Psalm 23:3 we read: "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." As sheep, we can be stubborn, prideful, indifferent, self-willed. We are prone to wander from the flock, but our faithful Shepherd, filled with loving kindness, will leave the ninety-nine in the flock to rescue me… one stray little lamb. Praise God. Thank you Jesus.

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:3

A sign in the produce section of the grocery read: "Meyer Lemons". There was no mistaking the luscious, smooth textured, orange toned beauties which we had never seen displayed in a store until that moment.

I was reminded of the little Meyer lemon tree in our sunroom at home. It blossomed early last spring. Its gorgeous, pungently fragrant flowers then bore tiny beginnings of fruit, which to our disappointment would dry up and drop off.

Oftentimes, we may be blossoming in our walk with the Lord, offering earnest, heart rending prayer as sweet smelling incense to Him. We might possibly begin to serve the Lord but allow the things of this world to divert our attention. We dry up… drop out. We do not bear any fruit.

The word "drop" can be described as falling from a higher place to a lower place. The word "dry" can be defined as thirsty, dehydrated, stale, or parched.

Is God still number one on your list of priorities? Spiritually speaking, have you fallen from a higher place to a lower place? Are you dried up, overcome by the cares of this world? Are you thirsting? Or, are rivers of living water flowing out of your life as the Spirit of God abundantly replenishes you?

The Word of God is overflowing with seeds of promise and hope. God's Word will naturally blossom and bear fruit as it takes root and grows in your heart.