A return to God.

Under the leadership of King Hezekiah, Israel had a return to God which was much needed. Look at how the people took part here:



2 Chronicles 31:1



The Reforms of Hezekiah

31 Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the sacred pillars in pieces, cut down the wooden images, and threw down the high places and the altars—from all Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh—until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned to their own cities, every man to his possession.



This makes me think of what it would take for our nation to return to God. The reforms that need to take place. It would be a major under taking. Just think of all the sinful things according to God's Word that would need to be removed by the faithful! Billboards, music, movies, television shows, websites, clothing stores, and even people!!! The list would be huge! Folks it could happen. If we would have revival in this land it still could turn back to God but it has to start with me and you! Our homes must be in order! It is so easy to point at others but remember when we do that we have 3 fingers pointing back at ourselves!



Pray with me for a return to God. Our leaders of this country are not going to bring us back to God, so we must do it on our own! Thank God for leaders like Hezekiah! May we be a leader like him.



Tom

Sermon-I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

Watch this before sermon, then skip song in sermon!

Wait for God in marriage!!

I just Got back from marrying my cousin Sara in Michigan. Sara along with her new husband Eric have waited for a long time for each (in their mid 30's) other but most importantly for God to show them who to marry. In today's society, we tend to think get married to who ever we think we want to and then if it don't work get a divorce and try again. Folks this is not so and we need to learn this is not pleasing to God! Look at this verse:



Mark 10:6-9

6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’;  so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”



Can it be any more plain than that? First, we see male and female to be joined together. Not man and man or women and women. Do what God says not what man thinks is right! Second, we see they become one flesh. They are now united after marriage. Treat each other with love and respect as you would yourself because in marriage you become ONE! Third, we see the command from God....Don't separate what God had joined together! This is why it is so important to wait on God for the one he has for you! When we get ahead of God, things are not what they should be and hard times lie ahead!



Wait for God to lead you in marriage, it will be worth the wait!



It was such a pleasure to perform Eric and Sara's wedding as they have put God first in their lives. They even asked for me to present the gospel during the ceremony! Praise God! May God bless them and use them for His glory!



Tom

Are your ways in order?

Today will be the last devotion for a little over a week as I will be away from the computer for a bit!



I was reading in 2 Chronicles and came across this verse:


2 Chronicles 27:6

6 So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.



Jotham was a King in Judah. He was a faithful servant of the Lord. What caught my attention was "he ordered his ways before the Lord his God". Wow what a great thing to be said about someone. So I want to ask us this morning, are our ways ordered before God this morning and every second of everyday?



The concept of things being ordered is to be so in love with God that all of our day is in accordance with His will for our lives. In other words, our day is planned by God and we obey. What a great way to live! For the believer it should be how we want to live. Totally surrendered to God.



The result for Jotham was he was a mighty King! The result for us will be a joy filled, blessed, and victorious life in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.



So this morning, are your ways in order?



Tom

I wait on you God....lead me.

Great verse this morning I seen shared by Sadie Robertson the teenage girl from Duck Dynasty.



Psalm 25:5

5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,For You are the God of my salvation;On You I wait all the day.



The world wants to lead you this morning. Don't let it. Put your blinders on and keep your focus on Jesus. Ask Him to lead you in truth and to teach you...He will. Acknowledge Jesus as your God, the God of your salvation. Praise Him for dying on the cross from you! No matter what you face today, wait on God. He will lead and give answers and love you! Just remember it will be in His timing not ours. His ways are not our ways so just wait and listen. God is there and always will be for those who follow Him!



Have a great day!



Tom

Are you praising God?

Well here we are half way through the week. You may have had a great week so far or maybe not so great. No matter what your are facing we need to sing praises to God! Check this verse out:



Psalm 13:6

6 I will sing to the Lord,Because He has dealt bountifully with me.



Dave Ramsey, the christian financial guru, always responds to a caller to his show who asks "how are you" by saying "better than I deserve". I think the majority of us can say that, matter of fact all of us can say that because what we deserve is death and hell!



Singing praises to God helps in so may ways. First, it shows our love for Him. Second, it shows others whom our God is. Third, it makes your feel good to praise God. Fourth, it is scriptural to do so. Fifth, God is worthy of our praises!



The later part of the verse says "Because He has dealt bountifully with me." Can I get an amen on that! I am blessed! God has blessed me beyond my comprehension. I am so unworthy of even another breath, but God loves me and provides. He loves you too, think about all the blessings God has given you!



So this morning let the singing go, and praise God......for HE IS WORTHY!



Tom

Where ya dwelling today?

No matter what kind of day you have today, good or bad, you can know where you dwell. God has given us a choice to live in Him or to live somewhere else. God loves you and wants you to be with Him but he will not force you. Read these verses:



Psalm 91:1-2

91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;My God, in Him I will trust.”



I am so thankful for those who brought me to Jesus. Life has thrown me some curve balls and I am greatful to dwell in God. God has also blessed more than I deserve and I praise God that He gives me the opportunity to dwell in Him. I trust God and always will no matter where life takes me. I know God will be right there beside me. One thing to keep in mind, this is just my temporary home, for one day soon I will live for eternity with God in heaven because I placed my trust in His Son Jesus!



So where have you chosen to dwell this day? In the world who will let you down or in Jesus who will never leave nor forsake you? Your choice!



Tom