A Word In Due Season
1st Week of July 2007

07/02/07
FAITH'S REPUTATION

Scripture:  Romans 1:8  "... your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."
 
Paul was looking forward to ministering to the church in Rome and wrote these words in a letter to them to prepare the way for his visit.  He gave thanks to God for them and for their testimony of faith.  Their faith was so profound that it had gained its own reputation and was widely known and spoken of throughout the whole world.
 
Everything that we accomplish, whether natural or spiritual, depends upon our faith.  In the natural, we plant seeds in faith expecting to reap a harvest.  We invest our finances believing that we will gain.  We buy in faith and sell in faith believing that every transaction will be profitable.  We work hard each week expecting to be compensated by those we serve.  We invest in friendships and relationships with faith in our heart that the love we give will be returned to us in some manner.  In the spiritual, we pray in faith believing that God, Himself, will hear our words and answer our prayers.  We ask in faith because He said that if we ask it would be given to us.  We seek because He said that we would find, and we knock because He told us that the doors would open.
 
The world about us watches our every effort and most of the time it is without our knowledge.  I recall the year when my husband was dying of cancer.  It was a season when my faith was sorely tried, physically, financially, and emotionally.  It took every ounce of faith to make it through the long dark valley of the shadow of death.  Yet, the Lord was true to His word every step of the way.  He was always near, met every need, and was a present help in the time of trouble.  We were a family that lived from payday to payday, yet we made it through several months with no savings and no income.  When I had to drive my very sickly husband to the hospital for his radiation treatments in the 100-degree heat with no air conditioner in the car, I asked God to give him a cloud.  Each day, without fail, for several weeks a cloud came just at the right time for the 25-mile journey there, then it would dissipate until the time for the return journey home.  I cannot explain faith's mystery or how we even made it through that year.  I only know that God was faithful.  When I was the weakest, God revealed His strength.  I later found out that my neighbors were watching as I leaned upon the Lord and allowed Him to take me through the valley one day at a time.  A neighbor remarked that she drew strength from my example, which helped her get through the same situation the next year.  II Corinthians 3:2 says that we are an epistle, known and read of all men.  Faith has a reputation.  What is your faith speaking to the world around you? +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
www.widsonline.com
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07/03/07
TRUTH BRINGS FREEDOM

Scripture:  John 8:32  "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free."

The devil desires to hold us in bondage by deception so he works on our minds like he did with Adam and Eve in the garden and with Jesus in the wilderness.  He deceived Adam and Eve by telling them that they would become wise like God if they ate the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Satan also attempted to deceive Jesus by offering Him the kingdoms of the world if He would just bow down and worship him.

In this same way, the devil tries every tactic to destroy our faith and lure us away from God's truth, telling us that we need to be free.  He points out that the grass is greener on the other side and entices us to step over.  He makes promises, but never tells us the true consequences of our responses.  He tempts us in the areas that we are most vulnerable, trying to destroy our trust in God's laws and boundaries.  At some point, the door opens, a grand temptation presents itself, and we have a choice to make, God's way or our way.

This story illustrates the problems that we face when we get out from under God's laws and boundaries.  A family was crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner.  They took their bird with them and secured him in a cage for a safe voyage where he was sheltered, fed, and cared for.  Along the way he was even petted and loved, as he was precious to the family.  However, the bird desired to be free and wanted to enjoy a more exciting life.  He felt he was capable of exploring the ocean on his own and when the opportunity presented itself, he left his cage.  He began to soar away from all that he thought was bondage, enjoying his release for a season, but after awhile, he began to experience the consequences of his choice.  The winds became stronger the further he flew from his cage.  There was no place to rest, no food, no shelter, and no one to hold and love him.  He found himself overcome with fear and anxiety as he tried to figure out how to solve his problems.  He discovered that the boundaries of his master were not so bad after all.  He made his way back to the ship, his cage, and a very happy family.

Like this example, the laws and boundaries of God are not meant to deprive us of any good thing.  They are given to us for our benefit and for reasons we may not understand.  God's boundaries separate us from sin and death and give us life (Romans 8:2).  When we step out of God's boundaries, we leave His covering and we forfeit our promise of provision, protection, and rest.  We step into the area where the law of sin and death rule.  Like the bird that left his cage, anxiety and fear attack us and our problems begin to overwhelm us.  Yet, even in our darkness, our Father never stops loving us and continually waits and watches for our return.  We must understand that the world has no true freedom to offer, but when the Son makes you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36). +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/04/07
BLESSED NATION

Scripture: Psalms 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

The fifty-six men who signed our Declaration of Independence, which was approved on July 4, 1776, committed an act of treason against the British Crown. As they signed this incredible Declaration, they mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Of those who signed, two became Presidents of the United States, three became Vice Presidents, and several others became either State Governors or U. S. Senators. However, there were many signers who suffered greatly. Four died of wounds from the war and five were imprisoned. Several lost their wives and children as their homes were attacked.

The oldest signer of the Declaration was 70 year old Benjamin Franklin, whose faith was strong in God. He said:

"Have we now forgotten this powerful Friend?
Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live,
the more convincing proofs I see of this truth --
that God governs in the affairs of men.
And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice,
is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings,
that 'except the Lord build the house,
they labor in vain that build it.'
I firmly believe this."

Benjamin Franklin was convinced that all was vain unless the Lord was God and Builder of this nation. The freedom we enjoy has been purchased with tears and blood. We have reaped the noble sacrifice of these brave men, and every American life has been touched by the document they signed. Because of their sacrifice, we have experienced a "Blessed nation whose God is the Lord ... And we are STILL one nation, under God. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/05/07
DON'T GET WEARY

Scripture: Galatians 6:9 "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Weariness and discouragement are two of Satan's strongest devises. He may not succeed in tempting you to do something evil, but he knows that if he can discourage you long enough, he will wear you out and that will cause you to give up. If you give up, then you will fail to reap what God has ordained for you. Daniel 7:25 says, "The devil shall speak great words against the most High and shall wear out the saints of the most High."

Because you are a child of the most High, Satan's goal is to wear you out by speaking great words contrary to what God has spoken to you. It's the same method that he used on Adam and Eve. He comes to you with discouraging thoughts and words that plant questions in your mind, "Hath God said?" He tried the same thing on Jesus, questioning Him, "If you be the Son of God..." The devil continued tempting Jesus until he saw that he couldn't wear Jesus out. He then left Jesus for a season. Satan doesn't give up easily. His plan was to come back at a more opportune time. He uses the same strategy on us. However, Paul told us to put on the whole armor of God and stand against the wiles or strategies of the devil. This word 'stand' means to stand and get ready for the next battle. Our conflict with Satan will not be over until Jesus returns and takes us home.

Jeremiah 12:5 says, "If you have run with footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with the horses?" In other words, if you can't make it when things are easy, how do you expect to make it when things get really rough? Life is not always going to be easy. With every assignment that God appoints to you, there comes a challenge. You can either faint and give up or finish the course. The choice is yours, but if you intend to reap God's rewards you must complete the season. You must run the last step if you expect to finish the race. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/06/07
A DECEITFUL BROOK

Scripture: Jeremiah 15:18 (Amplified) "Will you indeed be to me as a deceitful brook, like waters that fail and are uncertain?"

Jeremiah was a man who found great joy in the word of God. He loved God and God's powerful hand was upon him, yet, he found himself in a very perplexing situation. For the Lord's sake, he was suffering reproach at the hands of his enemies. In Jeremiah's anguish, he began to think that God had utterly failed him and had possibly lied to him. Jeremiah couldn't understand why he continued in his pain and why his wounds refused to be healed. When he spoke to God, he compared his situation to a thirsty traveler who is excited when he finds a brook but becomes disappointed when he discovers that the brook has actually dried up.

Have you ever come to this place in your journey through life? You find joy in God's word and trust in His promises. You set your soul to believe for an answer to your prayers; healing for yourself or someone you love, restoration of a relationship, or financial prosperity. But when the answer is delayed, your faith wavers and you begin to wonder if you are believing in a deceitful brook. Your mind tells you that you must have misunderstood God, and you begin to doubt His power and faithfulness.

Listen to God's answer to Jeremiah's question and apply it to your own life. God says, "If you will return and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair, then I will give you again a settled place of quiet and safety" (Verse 19). God also told Jeremiah, "You have to separate yourself from the vile things that are in your heart and cleanse your own heart from unworthy suspicions concerning God's faithfulness." God made Jeremiah accountable for the doubt and unbelief that was in his heart.

If the promise from God that you have believed in seems to be turning into a deceitful brook, you need to remember that Numbers 23:19 tells us that "God is not a man that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent. If God has spoken it, it will come to pass." God is never deceitful, so rejoice in His word and turn from your distrust and despair. Separate yourself from doubt and believe in Him. God rewards those that diligently seek Him and when you trust in Him, He will create water for your dry brook and streams for your deserts. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
www.widsonline.com
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A Word In Due Season
2nd Week of July 2007

07/09/07
AFFLICTION INSTEAD OF PLEASURE

Scripture:  Hebrews 11:25  "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season"

This scripture speaks of Moses and the choice that he made for his own life.  When Moses was born, his mother hid him for three months from Pharaoh and when he was too big to hide, she put him in a basket and placed the basket on the river.  His mother was trying to hide him because Pharaoh had commanded that all of the male Hebrew children be put to death.  Yet, God had a very special plan for Moses and it wasn't death.  His sovereignty caused Pharaoh's daughter to find Moses and when she saw the baby Moses, she had compassion upon him.  She drew him out of the water and brought him into Pharaoh's palace and raised him there as her own son until he was grown. 

When Moses was old enough to make his own choices in life, he did something that probably confused a lot of people.  He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.  He may have loved her as a mother but the call of God on His life was a stronger commitment.  He chose to sacrifice his place of honor amongst the people in Pharaoh's court and he walked away from the wealth and pleasures that could have been his.  Verse twenty-four says that he made this choice by faith.  He left the easy life and walked into the darkness and hardships of the unknown.  He willingly put aside his comfortable life and the luxuries that he was accustomed to.  He forgot his fame amongst Pharaoh's servants and went to live on the backside of the desert where no one knew him.  He chose to live in a tent rather than in Pharaoh's beautiful palace.  He tended his father-in-law's flock in the field instead of being in charge of more important duties or commanding a host of men.  Moses stayed in this humble position for forty years. 

It was in this setting that God spoke to Moses from a burning bush and commissioned him to bring the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt and into the Promised Land.  God planned to use Moses long before he was ever born and God ordered his steps and protected him from all harm.  When Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, he probably never dreamed of the fame that he would receive or that people would still be talking about him almost 4000 years later.  Yet, he chose the path that God had ordained for him.  His choice not only affected him but also a multitude of people, for his personal sacrifice brought millions into blessings and freedom.

Our lives are full of choices.  Some of them are easy because they promise joy and happiness, but others are difficult.  They call for true sacrifice.  It may not be on the same scale as Moses' sacrifice because none of us will have to give up our palace, our easy life, or our multitude of servants.  Our sacrifice may be to simply share our meager means with someone who has less, go the extra mile when we are weary, or allow others to take the best of the lot.  Yet, the choice still demands something from us and like Moses' decision, it will take faith on our part.  We must remember that God never asks for anything that He doesn't intend to repay.  We will never know the rewards of what could have been unless we make the right choice.  To experienced God's best, we must be willing to choose the affliction instead of the pleasures of sin that last for only a short season. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/10/07
DAY TO DAY

Scripture:  Psalms 96:2  "Sing unto the Lord, bless His Name; show forth His salvation from day to day."

The Lord is our Shepherd and He gently leads us day to day.  Whether He is coming or going, the Shepherd's path is always forward.  He never reverses His steps.  Many times, as His sheep, we have no idea where the path is leading or what to expect.  The uncertainty can be frightening and frustrating, so the Lord asks us not to exercise our minds in things that we do not understand or think about the things that are too high for us.  His words of wisdom assure us that His ways are higher than our ways and that His knowledge is far greater than our finite mind can comprehend.  As a loving Shepherd, the Lord has our best interest in mind at all times, so we must trust in Him with all of our heart and not lean upon our own understanding.

The Shepherd never asks His sheep to focus on the past or to look too far into the future.  He said, "Today's trouble is enough for today" (Matthew 6:34 NLT).  The joy of the journey is in the present moment and He just wants us to follow Him in faith, one step at a time.  His word tells us not to dwell on the former things, for He forgives the sins of the past regardless of whether they were committed years ago or moments ago, or whether we consider them big or small.  It makes no difference, for nothing is too difficult for Him to handle.  He encourages us not to be condemned or overcome with regrets but to take every failure and discouragement as a lesson to be learned.  He promised to restore the years that the canker worm devoured, to build up the old waste places, and make all things new in our life.

Neither are we to be anxious about tomorrow.  And yet, too often, we either worry about it or pin our hopes on what will be in the future instead of the joys that are available right now.  You can plan for the future, but don't live there.  Don't worry about what the future holds or look to it as a place of escape from today.  Instead, live today and enjoy every moment.  The joy of your journey with Jesus is daily feeding on the green pastures and drinking from the still waters that He provides.  It is allowing your soul to be refreshed and restored in His presence.  To sum things up,

If you dwell on the past, you will miss out on your future.

If you dwell on the future, you will miss out on the joys of today.

If you dwell on living today, you can experience life at its fullest.

Remember that life does not stand still and it does not last forever.  Our time on earth is a precious season that God has graciously given to each of us.  Let us enjoy all of life's moments as it moves forward, day to day.  The psalmist declared, "This is the day the Lord has made and we are to rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24). +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
www.widsonline.com
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07/11/07
COMMITMENT AND TRUST

Scripture:  Psalms 37:5  "Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."

Commit means to give something over to another's care or to place something in official confinement or custody.  True commitment to God means that you place your entire life and all of it situations in His hands and you do not take them back, for they are in His official custody.  You submit your way unto the Lord and you allow Him to deal with all of your circumstances, however He sees fit.  You do not grab the reins in fear when it seems that you are getting close to the edge or try to give God instructions.  Instead, you let go and allow Him to do a complete work.

Very often, it becomes hard to totally commit our way unto the Lord.  We make a mental decision to let God lead and guide us, but very soon we start giving Him directions and suggestions.  Like riding in the car when someone else is driving, we are tempted to tell God each turn to make, for we feel a need to be in control.  We are anxious to get on with life and move forward.  Yet, God sees the big picture and He knows the pitfalls and dangers that lay ahead.  In His mercy, He holds us back and keeps us from harm.  We try to persuade Him to go to the left or to the right and become frustrated because He doesn't respond.  We should be thankful that His infinite wisdom disallows Him to follow our directions or answer all of our prayers.

Pause and think about the burden that is upon your heart today.  What thoughts plague your mind and cause unrest within your soul?  Try to pinpoint the reason for the anxiety and fear that is within your spirit.  Then, with all of your heart and soul, commit those things to the Lord.  Remember that your understanding is limited by your knowledge and warped by the memories of your past.  Come to realize that your understanding is meager when compared to the wisdom of the omniscient God.  Then begin to lean upon God and trust in His knowledge, integrity, and timing.  As He shuts your life up in His hands, ask Him to keep it and not allow you to take it back.  When you allow God to be in control of your life and those things that concern you, He will take care of them and bring things to pass according to His plan and purpose. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
www.widsonline.com
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07/12/07
THE PLACE OF REST

Scripture:  Hebrews 3:10-11  "They always go astray in their hearts, and have not known My ways.  In My anger I swore, 'They shall not enter my rest.'"

God promised the Israelites a good and prosperous land that flowed with milk and honey.  He never said that this place would come easy or that there would be no battles.  This prosperous land that God was offering them had to be possessed by faith.  It was a sure gift, yet they never entered the Promised Land.  The results of their defeat were not because the battles were too great, but because their faith was too small.  They mixed God's word with murmuring, complaining, and unbelief instead of mixing it with faith and obedience.

Faith is not something that you struggle with or work up in the natural.  It comes by supernatural impartation by the Holy Spirit as God speaks to your spirit.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.  However, many times you may have to face your own limitations and be real with God.  Like the man in Mark 9:24 who requested prayer and deliverance for his demon possessed son, you may have to tell God, "I believe, but please help my unbelief."  God is understanding and He will always be faithful to meet you at your point of faith.

All of God's promises to us rest in our faith and obedience to His word.  He shows us the concept of faith in a natural seed.  You must let go completely when you plant a seed into the ground, leaving it there to rest for a long and dark season.  You can't dig it up and analyze it every day to see if anything is happening.  You have to cease from your own efforts, rest, and trust God to finish the work.  You cannot bring life.  Only a miracle can regenerate that seed and cause it to grow.  Your only responsibility is to plant the seed in faith and wait expectantly for the harvest.  God will work underneath the surface and in the darkness of the situation to bring life to the seemingly dead and hopeless seed.  Likewise, true faith, when planted in God, will cease from anxiety and will enter a place of rest until God brings forth fruit and life. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/13/07
SMALL BEGINNINGS

Scripture:  I Samuel 17:28  "And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?"

David's father sent him to the front line of the battle to take food to his brothers.  When he got there, he heard Goliath, the giant, defying the armies of God.  David inquired concerning the rewards that were offered to the man who could conquer this giant.  The very thought that David considered challenging the giant angered his brother, Eliab.  Eliab questioned David and asked him who was caring for the sheep, and what his motives were for coming to the battlefront.  He accused David of having pride and of just wanting to watch the battle.  Eliab purposely insulted David by asking him about the few sheep that he was supposed to be taking care of.  He wanted to remind David that his place in life was of little importance.

David, however, had already been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the king of Israel (I Samuel 16:13).  He had been chosen over Eliab and his other brothers, but he continued to tend the sheep.  Have you ever felt that God had called and anointed you to do a special work for Him, but at present you find yourself in a place of little importance?  Your current responsibilities have nothing to do with the calling that is in your heart.  Nothing in your life seems to be going in the direction to fulfill God's purposes.  You may be locked into a job, family situation, or other circumstances, and feel that your destiny is passing you by.  There seems to be little hope of doing anything significant for the kingdom of God.

David must have had these same thoughts, as day after day, he led the sheep from pasture to pasture.  Although he could not see what God was doing, God was training him for the battle with the giant.  Alone on the hills and in the valleys, he entertained himself by practicing with his sling and stones until he became very accurate.  Eventually, David had to face a lion and a bear in order to protect the sheep that he was caring for.  I Samuel 17:34-35 says that he went after a lion that took a lamb out of the flock.  He caught the lion by the beard and killed him, and later killed a bear.  Can't you see this small boy holding a lion by the beard or coming against a bear?  This was his combat training.  God was training him to come against a "bear sized" giant that he would later encounter.  And as fierce as the roar of the giant was, it was probably still not as frightening as the roar of the lion.  The lion's fierce roar had prepared him for the frightening roar and insults of Goliath, the giant.  God's deliverance in these battles built David's confidence and gave him assurance that God could and would bring him victory again.

The position you are in today is not an accident.  Wherever you are and whatever you are doing today, God is training you for tomorrow's purposes.  Be diligent in all that you do.  "Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).  And don't "despise the day of small beginnings" (Zechariah 5:10).  Let this day prepare you for tomorrow.  Your divine destiny is just ahead and God's appointed time will come. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
www.widsonline.com
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A Word In Due Season
3rd Week of July 2007

07/16/07
WALKING IN INTEGRITY

Scripture:  Psalms 26:11  "But as for me, I will walk in my integrity."

Many words come to mind when we think of the word 'integrity' such as soundness, honesty, and an adherence to standards and values.  Webster's dictionary defines integrity in the same manner, but adds another interesting meaning.  It states that integrity also means "the quality or condition of being undivided or the state of being unimpaired."

Integrity is not just obedience to the rules, but is an undivided and unimpaired heart attitude.  Integrity is not prompted by what others will think or by the rewards or consequences that will be received.  It is a deep desire of the heart to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.  An undivided and unimpaired heart means that it is not lacking in any area.  When you are walking in integrity, there are no hindrances that are able to tempt or challenge your decision and there are no handicaps to keep you from fulfilling your commitment.  You are single minded and determined to fulfill God's will and His commandments at any cost, and you cannot be forced to do otherwise.  Integrity separates you from those whose schemes are questionable as your standards and values do not waver or bend with your associates. 

The psalmist, David, decided far in advance that he would walk in integrity.  He declared his intentions by emphatically stating, "As for me, I will walk in my integrity."  He was undivided in his decision to walk in the straight and narrow path of righteousness.  David's integrity began with a decision of the will and heart, and he followed through with actions.  He felt so strongly about his decision that he challenged the Lord to examine or search him, test him, and try him (Psalms 139:23).  For sure, David had faults, but his heart was perfect before God.  David loved God and trusted God to keep him as he walked this straight path.  There is stability and security when you walk in integrity.  David said, "My foot stands on level ground."  As with David, God sees your heart and knows if it is undivided and unimpaired.  When you declare your intentions to walk in integrity, God will walk with you and lead you in paths of righteousness one step at a time. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/17/07
DISCREET AND WISE

Scripture:  Genesis 41:39  "There is none so discreet and wise as you are."

Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt , spoke these words about Joseph who was called from the prison to interpret Pharaoh's dreams.  This is interesting because we very rarely think of a person in prison as being discreet and wise.  But Joseph was discreet and wise and had used everything negative about his prison experience to push himself to success.  His tremendous faith in God manifested itself in every trial and test of his life.  He held on to God despite the abuse and rejection of his brothers, feelings of loneliness in a foreign land, the test with Potiphar's wife, unfair treatment, and being forgotten by his prison friends, the baker and the butler.  Instead of allowing adversity to separate him from God, Joseph used it to draw him closer to God.

 As Joseph submitted himself to God's Spirit, he lived a lifestyle of forgiveness, refusing to fall into bitterness, anger, and resentment.  He kept a good attitude and worked hard at whatever came his way.  His faithfulness in the small things proved to God that he was a man that could be trusted.  Joseph simply fulfilled the will of God one day at a time and his true strength came because he permitted the Spirit of God to dominate his life.  He leaned upon God's ability and not his own and was a testimony to those about him.  When he was in Potiphar's house, Potiphar noticed that "the Lord was with Joseph and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper."  And even though Joseph was a servant, he found grace and favor in the eyes of the man that he served and was made overseer of all that Potiphar had (Genesis 39:2-4).  Joseph was endowed with a great gift from God.  Yet, he didn't act presumptuously when he was called to interpret Pharaoh's dream.  Instead, he acknowledged that the interpretation of dreams belonged to God and that the Spirit of the Lord imparted discretion and wisdom.  Pharaoh recognized Joseph's gift and declared, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the Spirit of the Lord is?" (Genesis 41:38)

Exchange is the process of life.  What you put in is what you will get out of it.  What you sow is what you will reap.  Joseph exchanged all the bad that came his direction and allowed God to make it into something good.  He refused to give into the negative forces.  Instead, Joseph used them as a tool to learn and allowed God to impart to him wisdom and discretion.  This principle will also work in your life if you allow the Spirit to work in every situation that presents itself to you.  You can be assured that if you love God and are called according to His purpose, all things are going to work together for good.  If you sow to the Spirit and stay focused on God during the process, there will be a great exchange and you will reap discretion and wisdom. +++ 

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/18/07
SOFT AND PLIABLE

Scripture:  Psalms 37:4  "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." 

We often think this scripture means that God is going to give us anything that we want if we just simply show Him a little bit of interest first.  We probably appear to the Lord as small children when we approach Him in this manner.  I can remember doing this with my own father in my childhood.  I would be real sweet to him and try to gain his favor before I asked him for something, but He could always figure out my scheme and see through my childish manipulations.  Before I even had a chance to make my request known to him, he would ask, "Why are you being so nice to me and what do you want?"  My hand that was seeking for provision was more evident and truthful than my heart that was full of love for him.

God is certainly wiser than our earthly fathers and He can discern the thoughts that are hidden deep within our hearts.  He knows when we are truly delighting ourselves in Him and when we are attempting to manipulate Him by our praise and adoration.  In Mark 7:6 Jesus said, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."  The Lord sees each chamber of our heart and knows our thoughts better than we do, and sometimes He doesn't answer our prayers so that He can give us the true desires of our heart.  I have asked God for so many things that I did not receive.  And I confess that I am very grateful that He has not answered all of my prayers, not just the prayers of my youth, but also those of my more mature spiritual years.  I have learned that even after walking many decades with the Lord, I am still not equal to His wisdom.

In the Hebrew, the word "delight" in this scripture means "soft and pliable."  If we substitute those words for delight, it would read, "Make yourself soft and pliable in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."  We are simply clay in the Potter's hands and must allow Him to mold and make us into the vessel that He has planned for us to be.  God always gives us the best when we allow Him to do the choosing.  We must find out what His will is for our lives and then delight or make ourselves soft and pliable in His hands so that we can complete His will.  When we wrap our hearts and souls around His purposes then the desires of our heart will truly be met.  Instead of getting what we wanted, we will find that we want and are delighted with what He has given to us. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/19/07
MATCHING SHOES

Scripture:  Isaiah 52:7 (NLT) "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"
 
The prophet Isaiah declared that the feet of the messengers who bring good news are considered to be beautiful.  This is because their words offer peace, salvation, and a sure confirmation that God is sovereign and that He reigns over all this Earth and also in the personal lives of mankind.  This is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and there is no better news.  When Jesus was born, the angels declared, "Peace on Earth."  When the Apostle Paul listed the important items of our spiritual armor, he included a covering for our feet.  He said, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News" (Ephesians 6:15).  He knew the importance of walking in peace and that no spiritual battle could be won if the mind was in disarray and confusion.
 
Correct shoes are necessary for every day of our life, but particularly for times of battle because there is no sitting down and resting your feet on the battlefield.  I have had two embarrassing situations in my life concerning my shoes.  When I was attending high school, I had two pair of loafers.  The old pair was one size smaller than the new pair, but I could still wear them.  When I wore the loafers to school one day, my right foot began to bother me and I thought perhaps I had finally outgrown the old pair of shoes.  But, to my surprise, when I looked at my feet, I discovered that I had worn two left shoes and I had to complete the day in that misery and embarrassment.  The second incident happened in my adult years.  I was attending a church service, when someone approached me and asked me if I knew that I had on two different shoes.  In my rush to get there on time, I had put on one black leather heel and one shiny patent heel.  Besides that, there was a slight difference in the height of the heel, which caused discomfort.  In both cases, it was hard enough to walk around, but it would have been a greater hindrance if I had been engaged in a battle.  My error would have slowed me down considerably and would have been costly to the others around me.     
 
Our spiritual walk is the same, we must make sure that we have matching shoes.  Not just for our own benefit, but also for the world that is watching our lives.  We are a book that is read of all men.  They can tell if we have two left shoes on and they can also discern if we have an odd match.  We can't allow ourselves to wear one shoe of peace and another shoe of confusion.  We can't have one shoe that walks in faith and the other that treads about in doubt.  We can't speak of goodness at the same time that we act unkindly towards others.  We can't have one shoe of love and one of bitterness.  We can't speak words of grace and blessings at the same time that we are criticizing and cursing.  We can't pretend to be patience when the world is looking at our uncontrolled temper.  We can't act in obedience if one of our feet is walking in rebellion and disobedience anymore than we can stand in darkness while we are standing in the light.  Both feet must agree on the direction they intend to take and they must be properly fitted for the walk.  The Lord has made it very plain.  If we want our feet and our personal walk with the Lord to be considered beautiful in the eyes of others, we must bring the good news of peace and salvation, the news that God reigns. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/20/07
DO GOOD WHEN YOU CAN

Scripture:  Proverbs 3:27  "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it."
 
The expression that no man is an island is very true.  Many times we do not want to admit this fact or be dependent upon someone else, but the fact remains that we all need each other.  For a season, we may be successful in our efforts to stand alone, but events will happen in our lives and things will change.  When they do, we discover that we are not as self-sufficient as we thought.  We are members of one body and God has designed us to function as a unit, giving and receiving from each other.
 
King Solomon was known for his wisdom.  He continued to say that we should not only do good for others when we are able to do it but also to do it immediately.  He said,  "Do not say to your neighbor, go and come again, tomorrow I will give it, when you have it with you."  There are many times when the opportunity presents itself that we fail to follow these instructions.  For whatever reason, we postpone the good deed or repayment of a debt that we owe to a more opportune time.  Then too often the good that we could have done and intended to do is totally forgotten about.  When God shows us a need of any kind, it is for a reason.  We are not to put it on a shelf and allow the moment to pass.  We must ask God what He would like for us to do about the situation and then submit ourselves to His will.  We never know but that our actions could be the answer to someone else's prayer and our abundance the provisions for their needs.
 
You hold the power of doing good in your hands so be generous with your thoughts, words, and actions.  Doing good is not limited to finances.  It can be any area of life.  You can be the intercessor that prays your brother or sister through a very dark season.  You can be a helping hand to someone who has a heavy load.  You can be a strong shoulder and understanding heart to those who need someone to lean upon.  You can be a listening ear and counselor to those who need to share their problems.  You can be a voice in the wilderness speaking a word in due season to the weary.  You can be a light in the darkness to a desperate soul and show direction to the lost.  Your presence can bring peace in the midst of the storm, joy in times of sorrow, and comfort in seasons of grief.  Whatever the occasion may be, recall Solomon's words of wisdom and do not withhold good when it is in your power to do it. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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A Word In Due Season
4th Week of July 2007

07/23/07
TALKING TO GOD

Scripture:  Acts 4:24 & 31 "... they lifted up their voice to God ... and when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together ... "

We make prayer very complicated at times, when in reality it is simple communication with someone who loves and cares about our needs and desires.  Communion with God is better than talking to our best friend about our problems and heartaches, for God understands and He never judges.  Besides that, He always has the right answer to every question.  We never have to be fearful about going to Him because He told us that we could come boldly before His throne of grace in the time of our need.  Even when we fall down, make a mistake, and sin, God said that He would be faithful and just to forgive us and would cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  He is a loving and faithful God, yet many times we fail to exercise our privilege to talk with Him.  Instead, we run to everyone else for help when trouble comes and our world is falling apart.

In this scripture, the religious leaders, the Sadducees, were persecuting the church of God because the believers were preaching in the Name of Jesus and teaching about the resurrection.  Supernatural power always brings persecution.  In the midst of the persecution, the disciples went to God in prayer and reminded God of who He was.  They said,  "Lord, You are the God which made Heaven, Earth, the sea, and all that is in them."  The disciples believed that God was still in control and that there was nothing too hard for Him.  They reminded God of what He had said through David, His servant.  "The heathen rage and imagine vain things."  This was the same situation the church was in.  The religious leaders were raging against them because they were doing great things for God.  The disciples asked God to look at their problem and grant them boldness to speak His Word.  They not only asked God for boldness to speak, but also to confirm His word with signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus.  Their mighty prayer caused the place where they were assembled to be shaken by the power of God, and God granted their request.

God wants you to know that when you pray, you are talking to the same God that the disciples talked to.  He is a God of the 'Now.'  He wants to help you, comfort you, and meet your needs.  If you can just see this truth, it will make you free.  It will give you confidence in your spirit to approach God and ask for the help that you need regardless of your situation.  God gave you permission to do this and even invited you to do it.  In Jeremiah 33:3 He said, "Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things that you have not known or recognized before."  Trust God with all of your problems and lift up your voice to Him.  Talk is cheap, but talking to God is priceless, for He listens and He will respond. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/24/07
PREPARING FOR GOD'S PLAN

Scripture:  Hebrews 11:7  "By faith, Noah being warned of God ... prepared an ark ..."

In the book of Genesis, we find that God became very discouraged about the things that were taking place on Earth.  In fact, Genesis 6:6 says, "It repented the Lord that He had made man on the Earth, and it grieved Him at His heart."  For this reason, He decided to destroy man and every living creature, but a man named Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and God spared him and his household from the flood. 

When God chose Noah, He chose a man that walked with Him and a man who was just and blameless among the people of his time.  Noah was also a man that dared to be different.  He followed God when it didn't make any sense.  He didn't worry about what other men thought about him as he made provision to build a huge ark hundreds of miles from the water.  Noah boldly spoke God's words and warned of a flood that would come even though rain had never fallen before upon the land.  He obediently cooperated with God's plan.  God said, "This is what I want you to do and this is the way I want you to do it."  God gave every measurement and provided every detail, and Noah did all things according to God's instructions without question.  It took Noah 120 years to prepare for God's plan, but he persevered until the ark was finished.

Noah was not just involved, he was fully committed to God's plan.  It made no difference to him whether he understood everything or not.  He had a reverential fear of God and was determine to be prepared for God's great plan.  There were no gray areas in Noah's faith.  It didn't matter to him how long it took or how old he became, he just continued to prepare for the destiny that was set before him.  He trusted God in all things.  God is still looking for that characteristic in man today and when God finds that kind of commitment, He commissions a work.  He takes ordinary people and does extra ordinary things in and through their lives.  When God imparts His hopes and desires into our hearts, they are designed to complete His purposes.  Like Noah, we must dedicate ourselves to prepare for the destiny that is set before us.  For when the moment arrives, God can only use those who have taken the time to prepare. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/25/07
STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Scripture:  I Kings 19:7  "... the journey is too great for you."

God created us and gave us common sense so that we could take care of ourselves.  Without proper nourishment and rest, we tend to become discouraged mentally and often collapse physically.  When we continually neglect ourselves and extend our energies to the breaking point, the journey becomes too great for us and we find ourselves wanting to give up.  Even professional counselors tell us that our problems will look totally different and diminish in our minds when we exercise, rest, and get proper nourishment.

Look at Elijah's situation in I Kings, chapter eighteen.  He stood from morning to noon watching the prophets of Baal try to call down fire from heaven, and then from noon to the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prepared an altar for God.  He took twelve stones and built the altar.  He put wood upon it and cut the sacrificial bull into pieces and placed it upon the altar.  He dug a trench around the altar and had twelve barrels of water poured upon it.  He then called down fire from heaven, which consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and all the water.  After this, he participated in killing the 450 prophets of Baal that had challenged him.  He then knelt down and prayed seven times until the promise of rain came.  When the clouds began to form, he ran seventeen miles from Mt. Carmel to Jezreel and even outran Ahab's chariot.  At the end of all of this, when Jezebel threatened his life, he went a day's journey into the wilderness to escape.  I Kings 19:4 records that Elijah finally became so worn out that he told God, "I've had enough; Take away my life.  I've got to die sometime, and it might as well be now."  God recognized the real problem.  Rather than taking Elijah's life, God responded to his prayer by allowing him to rest and sent angels to nourish him with food and water.  The angels said, "Arise and eat, the journey is too great for you." 

Elijah was tired and ready to quit, but God was not through with him.  God was planning to send him forth to do another great work.  Many times in life's battles, we reach this point and feel that God must be finished with us.  It seems that our greatest work is behind us and our exhaustion tells us that we can't go on.  There is just no strength left in our weary bodies, and like Elijah, we just want to quit.  My friend, do not give up, for God is not finished with you yet.  Daniel 7:25 tells us that Satan's work is to "defy the Most High God and wear down the saints with persecution."  Your battle may seem as severe as Elijah or even Job's.  You may have lost your property, health, friends, and children.  Your spouse may even be encouraging you to curse God and die.  Your job may be demanding all of your energies.  It may seem that you have nothing left to give.  Remember that Satan is simply trying to wear you down.  You must resist him and find rest in God, for without God's help, the journey will indeed be too great for you.  However, as you cease from your own labors and allow God to minister to you both spiritually and physically, you will find strength for your journey. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/26/07
FORGIVE US AS WE FORGIVE

Scripture:  Matthew 6:12   "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Forgiveness is one of God's laws and it works.  Jesus told us to ask God the Father for forgiveness and He also said that our forgiveness will only come to us as we forgive others (Mark 11:25-26).  Even our gifts are unacceptable before God when unforgiveness is lingering in our hearts.  Matthew 5:23-24 tells us that if we go to the altar and remember that our brother has anything against us, then we are to leave our gift at the altar and seek reconciliation with our brother.  Do you ever wonder why there is no anointing on your gift or why your tithes and offerings are not returned to you as the word promised?  Could it be because of a matter of unforgiveness in the heart?  It is only after we've reconciled with our brother that we can return to the altar and lay our gifts before God.  There are times, however, that our brother will not accept our apologies or allow reconciliation.  If we have covered every base by confessing to them our wrongdoing against them, offering restitution if necessary, telling them that we are sorry, and asking for their forgiveness, then our responsibility is complete.  Reconciliation is left in their court and we are free to continue on with God.  After we have done all that we could do, we must not harbor ill feelings, but release them and the situation to Jesus.

In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus tells of a man whose master had forgiven him of a very large debt.  There was another man who owed a small debt to the man who had been forgiven.  The man who owed the large debt refused to forgive the man with the small debt, and turned him over to the tormentors because he could not pay.  The master, who had forgiven the man with the large debt heard about the situation.  When the master heard that the man he had forgiven of much would not, in turn, forgive someone who owed little, the master gave him over to the tormentors.  The master could not find it in his heart to forgive someone who would not forgive.

 As we acknowledge that God has forgiven us many times for so much, we must in turn forgive others for the small offenses against us.  This word clearly shows that if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven and that we, ourselves, will suffer.  The unforgiveness in our hearts will open a door, which will allow the tormentors to attack our soul.  The tormenting spirits of bitterness, hatred, jealousy, anxiety, and a number of other negative emotions, all of which cause physical diseases, will seek to destroy us.  Proverbs 19:11 says that it is the glory of a man to overlook a transgression or an offense.  Let us determine to put forgiveness into practice and to remember Jesus' principle of life, which is "forgive and be forgiven". +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/27/07
UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES

Scripture:  Luke 24:45  "Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures."

It is most important when we read or study the scriptures that we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us and help us understand what God is saying, for only the Holy Spirit can give us revelation.  God's word is spirit and life and can only be understood when the eyes of our understanding are opened supernaturally.  Without spiritual revelation we will have "eyes that see not and ears that hear not" as spoken of in Romans 11:8.  It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to hear with a heart of understanding.

Psalm 119 is entirely focused on the Word of God and the psalmist's desire to understand it.  Nearly every verse is directed to God as the psalmist talks very plainly to God about His Word.  The psalmist recognized his responsibilities to God's Word, and then made commitments concerning it.  His great plea was that he might understand and have insight into the precepts and commandments of God.  He totally depended upon God for help.  Look at just a few things in Psalms 119 that the psalmist said to God concerning His word.

     "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of Your Law." - Vs.18
     "Hide not Your commandments from me." - Vs.19
     "Quicken me according to Your Word." - Vs.25
     "Teach me Your statutes." - Vs. 26
     "Make me to understand the way of Your precepts." - Vs.27
     "Strengthen me according to Your Word." - Vs.28
     "Give me understanding." - Vs.34
     "Incline my heart unto Your testimonies." - Vs.36
     "Establish Your Word in me." - Vs.38

If you have a sincere desire to understand God's Word, refer to this Psalm when you begin to read and study the scriptures.  Read the words of this psalm aloud as a prayer to God like the psalmist did, and ask God to open your understanding of the scriptures.  See the difference in your study as God's Spirit enlightens you and gives you fresh revelation. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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A Word In Due Season
5th Week of July 2007

07/30/07
GOD WILL KEEP YOU

Scripture:  Joshua 1:7 (NIV)  "Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land."

It must have been very overwhelming for Joshua when God began to enlarge his territory and bring him to a new level of responsibility.  Can you imagine how he must have felt when God called him to take the place of Moses?  He had seen God use Moses to part the Red Sea and had witnessed many other mighty miracles in the life of Moses.  Now God was calling Joshua to that same place of leadership.  How frightening it must have been to think that in this new place, Joshua wouldn't have Moses to lean upon as his friend or to be his counselor because Moses was dead.

Joshua's grand promotion from God came only with these encouraging words, "Be strong and very courageous."  God then gave him instructions and a promise.  He told Joshua to mediate on God's words day and night and to obey all that He said.  God promised Joshua that if he maintained his courage and obeyed God's laws, his way would be prosperous and successful.  Even though God called him, encouraged him, and gave him promises to stand upon, it still must have been very difficult to step into this awesome place of leadership.  Moving out of the familiar and into a place of uncertainty always brings fear.  However, Joshua realized that his destiny depended upon his decision, and so he chose to follow God.  He meditated on God's words and allowed those words to cultivate his faith.  He remained strong in the Lord and very courageous and ultimately inherited the land that God had promised. 

Like Joshua's situation, the devil also attempts to stop God's plan in your life and his main tool against you is fear and intimidation.  He does everything in his power to make you feel insignificant.  As your adversary, he tells you that your hopes and dreams of doing anything significant for God are impossible.  He also points out your faults and continually reminds you of your failures.  He uses your past mistakes in a desperate attempt to keep you from having faith for the future.  God, on the other hand, has a plan and a destiny for your life and He wants to fulfill His purposes through you.  He imparts His Spirit and endows you with power so that you can inherit His promises and find your destiny.  He then speaks the same words to you that He spoke to Joshua, "Don't fear.  Be strong and courageous."  You must remember that if God calls you to do a work, He will keep you. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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07/31/07
WALK IN THE LIGHT

Scripture:  I John 1:7  "Walk in the light, as He is in the light."

The pathway of life has many challenges, yet we are given a specific instruction to walk in the light.  That light is the presence of the Lord, Himself.  His examples and words shine light upon our pathway and teach us right from wrong so there is no reason for us to walk in the darkness of deception.  God's light is like the spotlight on the stage of life and it limits us to the truth of His word.  When we step out of the light, we step out of truth and remove ourselves from God's covering.  We can go in any direction in life, but just like being in a spotlight, we are only one step away from the darkness.  It is imperative that we walk with God as He leads and directs, one step at a time, so that we can continue in the light.

The darkness holds no positive promise for us and we are not to explore its path, for its shadows only bring death and defeat.  So why do we even consider venturing into spiritual darkness?  The word of God tells us that we are drawn away by our own lust.  The devil approaches us in the same manner as he did when he enticed Eve in the Garden of Eden.  He tells us that the forbidden fruit is good to eat and that it will bring enlightenment to our souls.  He causes us to believe that there is happiness outside of the light.  If we are bored, he tells us that we can do the same things that the world does and escape correction.  He distracts us from the truth of God's word, which tells us that if we knowingly do something wrong it is sin.  He doesn't remind us that sin has consequences.  If we see something we need, he tells us that we should take it and assures us that it is okay to step outside of the light of integrity just this one time.  If we are lonely, he tells us that God will understand if we can seek fulfillment in the darkness of an immoral relationship.  When we become angry, he tells us that we have the right to express our uncontrolled temper.  We must understand that the devil's temptations are ever present and when we give in to his devises, we step out of God's light and into the darkness of evil.

Envision a circle of light, which contains love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).  These are the things that God's light produces.  Then, think about the darkness that surrounds that circle of light.  The darkness is filled with those things that are opposite of the light.  There is hate, sadness, confusion, anxiety, impatience, harshness, evil works, doubt, haughtiness, and intemperance.  The circle of light is warm and inviting and there is peace because you are able to see what is happening around you and you know where you going.  The darkness that surrounds the circle of light is cold and lonely.  It is a frightening place because when you walk in the darkness you are lost and alone.  You run into things and lose your direction.

Our walk in life is a personal choice.  Each of us must decide for ourselves whether we will walk in the light or in the darkness.  It is not a one-time decision or even a daily decision.  Instead, it is a decision that is designed for every moment of the day.  The choices of life present themselves continually and each step is a part of a subtle process.  There is no mystery.  It is simply walking with God, step by step, and staying in the light as He is in the light. +++

Copyright © 2007 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved   
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