www.widsonline.com

A Word In Due Season
1st Week of November 2011

11/01/11
UNANSWERED PRAYER

Scripture: Matthew 6:8 "Your heavenly Father knows what things you have need of before you ask."

God knows our needs and desires even before we ask, but like all good fathers, He is faithful to give us only what is best for us. In the spring, my son and I fertilized the yard just before the predicted abundant rain was to come. Each day we got just a little rain, but never the good soaking rain that was needed. One afternoon, I came home from the store and unloaded my purchases from the trunk of the car. Several times throughout that afternoon I prayed for the much needed rain, but the rain never came. I was disappointed that it did not rain and also that my prayers were not answered. Later that afternoon, I discovered that I had left the trunk of my car open. Thank God that He didn't answer my prayer right away, for if He had allowed it to rain, the trunk of my car would have been flooded.

God says in Isaiah 55:8-9, "My thoughts are not like your thoughts, neither are your ways like my ways. But My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Our thoughts and ways are as far apart from God's thoughts and ways as the heavens are from the earth. We are here on Earth surrounded by our immediate circumstances. We can only see what is just ahead of us or on each side of us as we try to find our way in this spiritual maze. God, however, sits in Heaven looking down upon us and our situations. He hears our prayers but sees the entire picture and knows what is best for us. He gently tries to lead us by His Spirit to help us get through the maze and obtain the victory, but we often go to the left or right and run into the walls. We then pray for the walls to come down, and sometimes even rebuke them in Jesus' Name. Yet, in reality they are the best things for us at that time because God has put them there for a reason.

God wants us to pray and present our needs to Him, but He also wants us to trust Him to do what is best for us. He doesn't want us to be anxious over the situation. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to lean upon our own understanding but to acknowledge God in all of our ways. If we do this, God will direct our paths. The answers to our prayers depend upon two things when we are submitted to God.

1) God's power and His love. His power gives Him the ability to give us anything that we ask for, but His wonderful love restrains Him.

2) God's wisdom and His holiness. He knows our desires, but His wisdom will only grant us answers that are in line with His righteousness and His will. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/02/11
VAIN IS THE HELP OF MAN

Scripture: Psalms 108:1 "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory."

David faced many challenges. Yet He declared that regardless of the threats from his adversaries and the battles that he must face, he would maintain a steady and steadfast faith in God. He placed all of his confidence in God and depended upon Him for deliverance, for he knew that God was full of mercy and loving kindness. God was his only hope, for he knew that trusting in help from man would be in vain.

David reminded God that He had promised to establish David's kingdom. David believed that God had spoken the truth, so he fixed his heart on this promise of God and began to sing and praise God before he ever saw the victory. David knew that his help would not come from man, but that it would come directly from God who would cause him to triumph over his enemies.

"Vain is the help of man" (Psalm 108:12). Think about those words that David spoke. Through these words, he teaches us a great principle of life. In the times of trouble and adversity, our natural instinct is to run to our families and friends for help. We want to "fix our heart" on them and lean upon them for deliverance and comfort. Yet we soon realize that our faith and confidence in them is in vain. We become disappointed and disillusioned because those whom we trust the most fail us the greatest. We also discover that their help is vain, for their strength is no match for our enemy. Neither can they render adequate solutions for our problems. And often they are too busy to even listen because of the priorities and concerns of their own lives.

Help from God is never vain, for we are His main concern and He will never fail us. He prompts us to come to Him and totally trust in Him with all of our heart and He tells us not to lean upon our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). When we fix our hearts upon God in this manner, He works valiantly for us against our enemies, and we find that our faith in Him is never vain. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/03/11
ABLE MINISTERS

Scripture: II Corinthians 3:5-6 "God, Who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament."

When God calls upon us to do anything, He equips us for that service. We are not qualified, nor sufficient in our own abilities, so He makes us to be able ministers. Jesus' disciples had walked with Him for three years, heard Him teach, and saw Him perform many mighty miracles. You would think that the personal mentoring that they received from Jesus would be enough to launch them into the ministry. Yet, Jesus instructed them to wait until they were filled with the Holy Spirit before continuing in the ministry (Acts 1:4-8). Likewise, we also need the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to be able to complete the ministry assignments that God has called us to do.

I Corinthians 1:26-27 tells us that God doesn't choose us because we are wise, mighty, or noble. In fact, He chooses the foolish and the weak so that it will confound the wise and strong. He chooses those who are dependant upon the Holy Spirit, and who understand that without Him, they will fail. In I Kings chapter three, God made Solomon an able minister as king over Israel by giving Him wisdom and an understanding heart. Before God moved on the scene, Solomon, as a grown man, stated, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in." He admitted his weakness to God, and God equipped Solomon with the wisdom that he needed to be able to perform his duties as king. Jeremiah the prophet also felt too small for God's great call. He spoke to God and said, "I cannot speak: for I am child." But God told him not to fear. He, then, put His own words in Jeremiah's mouth and set him as a prophet over the nations (Jeremiah 1:10).

For God to work in your life, you must humble yourself and come to terms with your own weakness. You need to understand that God is not calling you because He thinks you are able. He looks beyond your insufficiencies and sees the potential of His Spirit working in your life. You must realize that your sufficiency is not in yourself, but in the Lord who will strengthen you. With God, all things are possible. He is not limited by anything except your doubt and unbelief. God looked down the corridors of time, formed you, and filled you with His Spirit for such a time as this. He is equipping you daily by His Spirit to minister to people who need your prayers and words of encouragement. Don't be afraid to step into the unknown. If God called you, He will equip you with His words, His wisdom, and His power. He will make you to be an able minister. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/04/11
ANCHORS OF HOPE

Scripture: Acts 27:29 "They cast four anchors out ... and wished for the day."

Have you ever faced circumstances in which all hope had been taken away? All that you could wish for was to get through the dark season and be able to see the light again. The Apostle Paul and the sailing crew that he was with were facing the same situation. Verse twenty of this chapter tells us three things about the storm they were in.

1) They did not see the sun or stars for many days.
2) No small tempest was on them. Instead, a great tempest challenged them.
3) All hope of survival was taken away.

Paul, who was a prisoner, had tried to warn those over him of the impending danger if they continued their voyage, but they chose to set out on their journey rather than to believe him. When they encountered the storm and weren't able to see the sun for many days, Paul said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me" (Verse 21). We can all learn something from this true-life story when we find ourselves in spiritual conflicts or adverse circumstances. Look at these spiritual anchors of hope that will keep you in the times of storms. (Verses 23-24)

God has a Presence in your life. Paul said, "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, Whom I belong to, and Whom I serve." If you belong to God, He has anchored Himself within you and will never leave you or forsake you. God's Power is also available to you. Paul said, "Fear not." God is in not only in the situation with you but He has empowered you with the anchor of His strength. Trust in Him, for He is well able to keep you stable in the midst of the storm.

God has a Purpose for your life. The angel said, "Paul, you must be brought before Caesar." Realize that God's assignment for you is an anchor in the midst of adversity and that the devil cannot stop the purpose and will of God in your life. Finally, God's Promise will never fail. The angel said, "God has given you all those that sail with you." You must hold on to the promises that God speaks to you, for they will be your anchor as you face the raging storms. They will not only keep you, but also keep those around you who are facing those same storms.

Paul told the men, "Be of good cheer, for I believe what God told me." In the midst of the storm, Paul had faith in God and told the men that their only hope was to abide in the ship (Verse 31). When the storms of life rage against you, don't be tempted to leave the ship even though it may appear to be sinking. Your hope is to abide or remain where God has placed you. Don't run to the world and what it has to offer in an effort to escape the conflicts in your life. Though tossed about by storms and winds of adversity, trust God and allow Him to be your anchor. If you refuse to compromise, your faith will take you through the storm. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================

A Word In Due Season
2nd Week of November 2011

11/07/11
WE NEED EACH OTHER

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:21 "The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."

The Apostle Paul compared the individual church members to a human body and said that God had set every member in the body as it pleased Him. Paul encouraged the church to appreciate one another and to recognize that each one was just as important as the other. The eye is needed so the body can see what the hand is doing and the hand needs the eye so it can perform its duties. The head needs the feet to take it places, but the feet cannot go without the head. The feet, the hand, the eye, and the head do no look anything alike. Neither do they have the same functions or need the same care. Yet, each is important and necessary in its own right. The body is either sorely paralyzed or even dead without these various members functioning together in unity.

This is such a simple analogy but very fitting and easy to understand. The body of Christ needs each other. We cannot say one to the other, "I have no need of you", for we all have need of each other. Not only do we need each other, but we also need to work together in the unity of the Spirit. We are not to be jealous or to strive against one another. Psalms 133:1 tells us that it is good and pleasant for the brethren to dwell in unity, for when we are in unity we accomplish much more. Think about your hands. God created you with two hands and supplied each hand with four fingers and a thumb. Each finger and each thumb is important. Can you imagine how limited you would be if your hand only had a thumb or one finger? If would be very difficult for you to hold and lift things or to do various task. Even in battle, a body with one finger on each hand would find itself in jeopardy. Yet, a hand with all of its fingers and a thumb, clutched into a fist, becomes a mighty weapon.

God wants us working together in this fashion. You may not esteem your place or your gift in the body of Christ as highly as you do someone else's gift or place. Yet each vessel and each gift is important to God's kingdom. He wants us to join together in such unity that we can usher in His presence and combat the forces of Hell together. The Word of God confirms this. Matthew 18:19 says, "If two agree on Earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them." Verse twenty tells us that where two or three are gathered together in His name, He is in the midst of them. The scriptures also tell us in Ecclesiastes 4:12 that a threefold cord is not easily broken, and Deuteronomy 32:30 tells us that if one can chase a thousand then two can put ten thousand to flight. God has placed you in His body where He wants you. Remember that you need others and that there are others who need you. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/08/11
THE ACCESS NAME

Scripture: Romans 5:2 "By Whom (Jesus) we have access by faith."

Jesus told us exactly how to talk to the Father and how to receive answers. One of the principles of prayer that He gave to us is so simple but often missed. In John 16:23 Jesus said, "You shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My Name, He will give it to you." Jesus gave us His Name and that Name allows us access to God the Father. There is no other name.

In today's modern world, we understand access codes and what they will allow us to do or not do. As we attempt to use the computer, access our bank accounts and credit cards, or draw funds from the ATM machines, we realize the importance of being totally accurate. One incorrect digit or dot will hinder our access to what rightfully belongs to us. Using the Name of Jesus to access the Father is comparable to these codes. We must approach God accurately and on the basis of who Jesus is and what He has done. Jesus told us that we would experience problems if we did not make our petitions in the correct way. There's great comfort in talking to Jesus, fellowshipping with Him, singing about Him, and enjoying communion with the Holy Spirit. We may even call out the Name of Jesus when we need deliverance from our distress. But Jesus made it very plain that we should ask nothing of Him, but that we were to ask the Father in Jesus' Name. The Father is the one who grants our petitions, and we need to gain access to His throne of grace in order to get our needs met. Our prayers and requests need to be spoken directly to God the Father in the Name of Jesus.

Peter and John soon put these words to the test in the third chapter of Acts when the lame man was healed in the Name of Jesus. Peter told the crowd of people who looked on in amazement and wonder, "Why look on us as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" Peter said, "It was Jesus' Name and through faith in His Name that caused this man to walk." Like Peter and John, Jesus gives us His Name and expects us to access our Heavenly Father in faith. When we go to the Father in Jesus' Name, God listens and responds. He will faithfully grant our petitions when our petitions represent who Jesus is and what His will is for our lives. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/09/11
REFUSING TO COMPROMISE

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:2 "Come, let us meet together in ... in the Plain of Ono."

Nehemiah organized God's people for the purpose of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. From the very beginning of this endeavor, their enemies had tried to discourage and hinder their work by mockery, conspiracy, extortion, and slander. Yet, they continued in their efforts and their work on the wall progressed. Now, however, the enemy was attempting to lure them from their work on the walls into the Plain of Ono for a meeting. God's people recognized the enemy's plan as a plan of mischief. In verse three, Nehemiah, their leader, responded to the invitation with the words, "I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?" He refused to enter into a place where he would have the opportunity to listen to any terms of compromise.

As in this story, the enemy will try to lure you from the commitments that you have made to God and will also try to destroy your faith in God's promises. If he can get you to come down from your position on the wall of faith, he may be successful in stopping the great work that you are doing for God. Once you are in his territory, the enemy will try to get you to a place where his voice of compromise can whisper to you in every area. As he gains your attention, he will sow seeds of doubt such as, "You can't be saved. You have done too many evil things." "You can't give your tithes and offerings this week. If you do, how will you pay all of your bills?" "You can't be healed. Everyone dies from that disease." "You can't sing, testify, and serve Jesus. You're not good enough." "You can't be delivered. Addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex are just too strong to fight against." "You can't forgive. You've been hurt too much and the pain is too deep."

The list goes on as the devil continually tries to discourage you and steal your faith. Your weapon against him is to refuse to reason with him or to listen to his lies. Remember that your example is Jesus. In Matthew chapter four, Jesus faced the devil but refused to compromise. His only responses to the devil's temptations were, "It is written" and Jesus then quoted the Word of God. The devil has no defense against God's word, which is "powerful and sharper than a two edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). Like Nehemiah, God has a great work for you so when the devil attempts to lure you from the wall of faith and invites you to leave your place of commitment, refuse to compromise or come to down to his level. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/10/11
HEALING FOR THE BROKEN HEART

Scripture: Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart."

From the beginning, Jesus defined His ministry to mankind by quoting from the prophet, Isaiah. He stood in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and boldly declared that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. Jesus said that among the things God had anointed Him to do, He was to heal the hurting and bind up the broken hearted (Luke 4:18).

You may have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You may have also experienced physical healing for your body and received provisions for your needs, but God's grace extends beyond those boundaries. God wants you to have life and have it more abundantly in all areas; body, soul, and spirit. So He sent Jesus to heal your wounded spirit and to set you free from the emotional pain that plagues you. Jesus is touched by every feeling and infirmity that will ever challenge you. He knows about your past and is sensitive to your painful memories. He sees the hurts and disappointments of your present. He also understands your fears and anxieties concerning the future and He wants to help you. Friends, family, children, or professionals can be a great support and may point you in the right direction, but only the anointing of God's Spirit can break the yoke of bondage that holds you captive and bring freedom to your soul.

If you have been wounded emotionally, if your heart is breaking, if you are lonely with no one to turn to, if the memories of the past grip your soul, and you anguish over the poor choices of your life that have been haunting you, then know that Jesus loves you and He is near. This is His promise. He said that He would be near those who were of a broken heart. As you allow Jesus to touch your heart, He will take all of your hurt and turn it around for good. Isaiah 61:3 says, the Lord will give you beauty for the ashes of your life, the oil of joy for your mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Jesus, Himself, will open your prison doors and set you free. He is near and stands ready as the Great Physician to bind up your painful wounds and to heal your broken heart as only He can. The Lord wants you to call upon Him in faith and to embrace the promises of His Word. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/11/11
HEALING FOR THE BROKEN HEART

Scripture: Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart."

From the beginning, Jesus defined His ministry to mankind by quoting from the prophet, Isaiah. He stood in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day and boldly declared that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. Jesus said that among the things God had anointed Him to do, He was to heal the hurting and bind up the broken hearted (Luke 4:18).

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================

A Word In Due Season
3rd Week of November 2011

11/14/11
THE HEART OF OUR LOVING FATHER

Scripture: Luke 15:20 " ... while he was still a long distance away, his Father saw him coming, and was filled with compassion, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him."

The youngest son of a father asked for his inheritance and then he left home. He went to a foreign country and there he wasted all of his inheritance on a wild lifestyle. He finally came to his senses, however, when his resources were gone and he found himself eating the food that he was supposed to be feeding to the pigs that he was taking care of. When the reality of his situation finally hit him, the son decided to return home and ask his father if he could become one of his hired servants. He never expected the grand welcome that awaited him.

His father, like any natural father, was waiting and diligently watching for his son's return. He had probably prayed the whole time that his son had been gone and possibly walked to the bend in the road many times hoping to get a glimpse of his son. When the father saw his son coming home, compassion filled his heart and he ran and took his son in his arms and kissed him. The father took the best robe that he had and put it upon his son. He put shoes on his son's feet and a ring on his finger. He then killed a fat calf to celebrate his son's return. The father was not concerned about how long the son had been gone or how low he may have sunk. His only interest was that his son was now home where he belonged.

This is a beautiful picture of our loving heavenly Father. Our Father God never forces us to follow His will, but always waits for us to return to it. When Satan seeks to sift us as wheat as he did Peter, Jesus intercedes and prays for us that our faith will not fail. Yet, sometimes we fail because even though our spirit is willing, our flesh is weak. Our prayer becomes like the words of the prodigal son who said, "Give me." When God gives, we often misuse our inheritance and abuse the liberty that He allows. We then find ourselves in a pit of despair. But God never gives up. He waits and watches diligently for us to return to Him. He listens for our words to change just as the prodigal son's words changed from "Give me" to "Forgive me" Father, for I have sinned." Our Father God sees our heart from a long way off and knows the moment that it changes. As we approach God's throne for forgiveness, He runs to meet us and is always faithful to forgive. His heart is filled with compassion for us and He restores our relationship as a son. He covers us with His robe of righteousness, puts His shoes of peace on our feet, and places a ring of authority on our finger. Our Father embraces us in His loving arms and celebrates our return. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/15/11
GOOD SUCCESS

Scripture: Joshua 1:8 " ... then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success."

Success is defined as the gaining of something desired, planned, or attempted. Yet, there is a difference in "success" and "good success" as spoken of in this scripture. Many times our plans come to pass and we are successful in our attempts, but when it's all finished we find that the thing that we desired and accomplished was less than God's best for our life. There's nothing worse than succeeding at a bad choice. The first part of this scripture explains how to have prosperity and also good success. It says, "Meditate in God's word day and night and then do it." It is then that you will prosper and have good success.

Prosperity and success is not necessarily wealth and fame but possessing the place that God ordained for you that brings joy in your spirit and rest for your soul. Good success is simply a number of good decisions made over a period of time. It is surrendering to God and following His Spirit one step at a time. Joseph was considered to be prosperous in Genesis 39:2-3. Yet he was sold to merchants by his brothers, taken from his homeland, and had to serve Pharaoh as a purchased slave in Egypt. Regardless of his circumstances, the scriptures declared that Joseph was prosperous. He was prosperous because the Lord was with him and the Lord made everything that Joseph did to prosper. Often, there were circumstances that Joseph could not control or do anything about, but behind the scenes God was working a plan in his life, equipping him and preparing him for a mighty ministry. To reach his destiny, Joseph had to rest in God's sovereign plan and totally lean on God's grace.

Many times God's leading will be contrary to your own mind. There will be circumstances you can't control or explain because He is working in a sovereign way in your life. But if you trust God and meditate on His word, He will confirm every step and give you perfect peace. As you act on God's word, He will make a way where there seems to be no way and lead you through the wilderness. In the end, you will possess His best and have true prosperity and good success. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/16/11
BALANCING THE CLOUDS

Scripture: Job 37:16 "Do you not know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge?

Job's friend encouraged him to consider the wonders of God, yet Job probably understood God better that his friend. Job declared that God was perfect in knowledge and certainly knew more about Job's situation than Job himself did. Although things looked dark in Job's life, he knew that God was in control and that He was balancing the clouds in his life. Job was confident that Satan could do no more to him than what God allowed.

God also knows more about your situation than you do. Isaiah 55:9 says, "His ways are higher than your ways, and His thoughts are higher than your thoughts." God never loses control regardless of how bad the situation may look or how dark the clouds may get. In the midst of your cares and concerns, you have this assurance that you are still in God's hands and that He is still on the throne. He will never put more on you than what you can bear. You may hear the thunder roll and see the lightening flash, but you have nothing to fear. Even in the time of temptation, God provides a way of escape. He balances everything out for you so that you are never tempted beyond your ability to endure.

In II Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul speaks of all the adversities that he had to face; labors, shipwreck, prison, hunger, pain, beatings, perils, and weariness, just to mention a few. He then declared that he not only had to deal with all of those situations and turmoil that came against him, he also had to face the care and concerns of all the churches. There were clouds of adversity all around Paul, not only with the heathen but also the followers of Christ. Paul also spoke of a thorn in his flesh that he thought was too great for him to bear (II Corinthians 12:7-9). He prayed about this issue three times, but God answered him with these words, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness." God was balancing the clouds in Paul's life, for He knew what Paul could endure. God was faithful not to test Paul beyond his strength.

Regardless of how many clouds of adversity you may be facing, keep in mind that God is in control of your life. He is perfect in knowledge and is balancing all the clouds that surround you. No matter how dark the sky gets or how great the storm becomes, His grace will always be sufficient for you. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/17/11
GIVING

Scripture: Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you..."

There is a inspiring story about giving that I would like to share with you. A woman moved back to the farm where she had been raised as a child. She soon noticed some special plants blooming in the flower garden, which her mother had planted years ago. The plants were a sweet reminder of the times that she and her mother had shared together so she weeded the garden and gave the plants special care. Then one day an elderly neighbor passed by and noticed her garden and the rare plants. The woman could see the desire in her neighbor's eyes, but was reluctant to part with her few precious plants that had belonged to her own mother. However, she finally dug up a few of them and gave them to her grateful neighbor to enjoy.

A few years later, the woman who had shared her plants lost her few remaining plants during a bitterly cold winter, and not even the slightest seedling survived. She desperately searched the garden but none of the special plants remained. A few weeks later, in the Spring, her elderly neighbor called her on the phone, as the woman's neighbor had heard that her plants were all lost. The elderly neighbor told her that her own plants had made it through the winter and were doing fine. Later that afternoon she brought some of the plants to the original owner. It was more seedlings than the woman had originally given to her neighbor years before.

This story teaches that sharing doesn't mean losing. Jesus shared with us this same principle of giving. He said, "Give, and it shall be given back to you." In fact, He said that you would receive more than you originally gave. He also said that it would return to you pressed down, shaken together, and running over, for you can never out give God. The more you give, the more you receive. Like these precious plants, it may not come back immediately, but it will come back and at the right time. Ecclesiastes 11:1 says, "Cast your bread upon the waters: for you will find it after many days." It has been stated that your gifts may leave your hands, but they never leave your life. Some way and somehow God will cause them to return to you. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/18/11
FALLING SHORT BUT STANDING TALL

Scripture: Psalms 37:24 (NIV) "Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

It is wonderful to serve a loving God who understands our shortcomings and holds us up when we begin to fall. Though we stumble around in life's situations, His grace gently picks us up and helps us start over again. He is like a natural father who teaches his child to walk. He eagerly waits for us to make the next step and His hand is there to catch us before we hit the ground. God doesn't scold us when our knees wobble or when our feet trip along the rough paths. He knows that our spirit is willing but that our flesh is weak so He just holds our hands a little tighter, lifts us up, and helps us along our way.

God is aware that we are going to stumble many times in life before we reach our place in Heaven. Throughout the scriptures, He gives examples to let us know that His forgiveness and restoration is always available. Abraham, the friend of God and the father of faith, fell short in his walk with God when fear gripped his heart. His faith failed him and he asked his wife, Sarah, to pose as his sister in order to protect his own life. Also, instead of believing God's promise and waiting on His timing for the righteous seed to be conceived and birthed, he gave in to Sarah's plea. He followed her suggestion and took her maid, and through this unrighteous union Ishmael was birthed. Even though Abraham stumbled, the Lord held him up and his faith was still counted unto him as righteousness. King David fell short and committed many sins, but stood tall and reached into the heart of God and found forgiveness for all of his transgressions. The Apostle Peter also fell short in his actions when he denied Christ, but later he not only acknowledged that he knew Jesus but stood very tall as he openly preached to the multitudes, proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

You must understand today that even though you may have fallen short in your walk through life, you can still stand tall in God's presence. His love covers a multitude of sins and His grace is sufficient in all circumstances. He wants to assure you that there is no mistake that you have ever made that He can't erase and no stain in your life that He cannot wash away, for His blood takes care of it all. He wants you to know that there is hope even when you think there is no way of restoration. God's ways are not like your ways and His thoughts go beyond your thoughts. When you feel yourself begin to stumble, immediately reach out to Him and He will lift you up and help you stand tall. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================

A Word In Due Season
4th Week of November 2011

11/21/11
NEVER EARLY - NEVER LATE

Scripture: Psalms 31:15 "My times are in Your hand."

David trusted and relied upon the Lord, for he had seen God come through for him many times in his life. He knew very well what it meant to put all of his confidence in God and allow Him to guide His footsteps. There were times when God allowed David to kill a bear and a lion, to fight the giant, or spoke to him to go into battle or to chase down his enemy and recover his family and goods that the enemy had taken from him. But there were also other times that God told David not to fight but to just stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. On all of these occasions, David was confident that his life was in God's hands and also in God's timing whether he was engaged in battle or allowing God to fight the battle for him.

How assuring it is when we discover that our times are in God's hands. I was in a big hurry as I drove down the street one day and I could see that the traffic light ahead was red. I anxiously sighed a big sigh and wished for the light to turn green before I got there, which it did. But because the traffic was proceeding very slowly, enough time expired for the light to turn back to red. As I began to fret again about the light, I thought, "Why am I worrying about the light when I am not even there yet?" I didn't need the light to be green until it was my turn to go through the intersection. I came to the conclusion that I should just be patient and proceed forward in joy. Like David, I needed to put my times into God's hands and trust that the light would be green when it was time for me to go through.

We are like this many times in life's situations. When God begins to stir our spirit in preparation for change in our life, we become anxious. We want to know that the road ahead is clear of obstacles and we want to see the green light. Yet often the light may change to red on the pathway to our future. The door to our destiny may be closed for a moment while God prepares our heart and keeps us until His perfect timing is ready. His delay causes us to fret, but in reality, we are not even near the intersection of our dreams. We have a long way to go, for God is still maturing us and equipping us for the task ahead. We want to take immediate action, but God doesn't want us running the shoulder of the road so that we can pass all of the cars that are ahead of us. Hastiness will only create a bad situation. God wants us to trust Him and to understand that He is never early and He is never late. He is always right on time and you can be sure that your times are in His hands. Be encouraged. God will open the door to your destiny in His timing and turn the light green at the appropriate time. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/22/11
CONTENT AND THANKFUL

Scripture: I Timothy 6:8 (NIV) "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

Sometimes we complain about the most insignificant things such as how little funds we have in our bank accounts, how tired we are, how stressed we are with our lives and our jobs, how bored we are with nothing to do, or that we have nothing new in our jam-packed closets to wear to the next event. We feel overwhelmed with all of our pressures, and then we receive a prayer request concerning a young lady named Lisa who is four months pregnant. Her situation puts everything, including our complaints, into perspective. She is the mother of two other young children and she has breast cancer that has possibly spread to her hip. She is in a raging battle for her health and her life. Somehow our own problems do not look so big and bad after seeing the challenge that is set before Lisa.

I can't recall the exact words but there is a saying, "I complained that I had no shoes until I saw the man that had no feet." When we get down we need to look around us, for when we see the greater needs of others, it will launch us into a place of compassion for them and will also bring us to a place of contentment and thankfulness in our own lives. We will see our own blessings in a new light, for the things that we have taken for granted will suddenly become precious to our hearts. We will forget that our shoes are scuffed and ragged and will rejoice that we have two feet.

The Apostle Paul said that he learned to be content in whatever state that he found himself in (Philippians 4:11). He told Timothy, "If you have food and clothing, be content." He was teaching Timothy a life principle that joy and happiness were not tied to material things, and that there is much more to life than having stuff. Paul's contentment did not come automatically when he was born again on the road to Damascus. The hardships that he endured after he was saved taught him to be content. He chose to be a survivor in all situations and to rejoice regardless of his circumstances. Even in prison, he was not discouraged but thought of the needs of the saints and wrote letters of encouragement and instructions to the church. His interest was not in himself but in others. We must allow God to develop this same attitude within us. Life is too short and unpredictable to mourn for that which we lack. When our bounty becomes scarce, let us remember Lisa's challenge and learn to be content and thankful for such things as we have. +++

Scripture: Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God..."

This is the season that we set aside to give thanks and even celebrate a special day of Thanksgivings. Yet, for many of us the meaning of this special day is lost in the celebrations of the day itself. We become so busy cooking, visiting, and eating, that we forget what the day is all about and neglect to truly give thanks in our hearts for all that God has done for us. We may offer a special prayer because of the occasion, but our thoughts are on the feast set before us and our focus is on our fellowship with friends and family.

However, Thanksgiving should be a continual celebration of our gratefulness to God. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to give thanks always for all things. While we recognize and give thanks to God when He does something special in our lives, there are many things that are more wonderful to us than the occasional extra blessings that we celebrate. We tend to get excited when a financial windfall comes our way but forget the blessings that we experience everyday in our lives. We take our eyes for granted and fail to give thanks for our sight. We give little thought to our ears or praise God regularly that we can hear, listen to music, or enjoy the sound of a child's voice. We never consider that even our mouths are a bountiful gift from God. Our tongues and lips equip us to communicate with each other and our teeth make it possible for us to eat food that is set before us. Even our legs that carry us places and the strength in our body is a gift from God. These are daily blessing that we enjoy, yet rarely are these wonderful blessings present in our daily list of things to be thankful for simply because we take them for granted.

As we think about God's awesome blessings to us, we realize that we can't attribute any of these blessings to our own success, for who can cause the eye to see or the ear to hear? Who can make the lame to walk or the dumb to speak? Who can infuse strength into our bodies and cause them to function properly? These things come to us because of the graciousness of God our Father and our gratitude should be directed to Him. We must never be so wrapped up in our blessings that we forget the One who blesses or look at our gifts and forget the Giver of all things, for our blessings come from the hand of God. Let us meditate on these things and be truly thankful to Him, for He has dealt bountiful with us. As long as we have air to breathe and lungs to breathe it, let us remember to be grateful and give thanks to God our Father, Always for All things! +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/24/11
ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGTHE DIFFERENCE ONE LIFE CAN MAKE

Scripture: I John 3:16 (NIV) "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

In the portals of time, God sets ordinary men in special places for special times, and takes their natural lives and uses them in supernatural ways to bring about His plans and purposes. In the early 1600's, 102 Pilgrims left England and set out for the New World with the hopes of finding religious freedom and a better way of life. After a dangerous and treacherous 65-day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean on the Mayflower, the passengers arrived in what is now known as the state of Massachusetts.

It was a desolate location and the winter proved very difficult and devastating. Many died because of the lack of food and inadequate housing. By spring of that same year, nearly half of the original group had passed away. It was a painful and discouraging season, yet those who remained relied upon God for help and trusted in Him with all of their hearts. Their faith and beliefs are evident in the laws that govern our country even today. William Bradford, one of the original leaders and governor of the Plymouth Colony for more than thirty years, wrote of these brave and determined people. He said, "But these things did not dismay them (though they did sometimes trouble them) for their desires were set on the ways of God, and to enjoy His ordinances; but they rested on His providence, and knew Whom they had believed."

These people of great faith knew who they believed in and dedicated their futures to Him. They looked to God for their source of strength. Yet it is interesting how God helped these struggling Pilgrims to make it through this incredibly difficult time. He sent one man named Squanto, a Native American Indian, to teach them how to plant corn, where to fish, and how to trap animals. His simple instructions sustained them. William Bradford declared that "Squanto was a special instrument sent of God for their good and beyond their expectations." We never hear much about this simple man with his simple knowledge, but Squanto laid down his own life and agenda to teach others how to live and survive, and in doing so, he saved a nation.

As we look at Squanto's life, it helps us to realize that we all have gifts that God can use. Our ordinary talents may not seem too important to us in the light of someone else's glamorous gift, but it may be the one thing that our neighbor needs for his survival. Like Squanto's gift, it may be as simple as knowing how to plant corn, catch fish, or trap animals. Or it may be a kind word, a silent prayer, or a good deed that we can do that will be the instrument that God uses to make a difference in the lives of those about us. God has called each of us to follow the example of Christ and lay down our lives for others. All we need to do is to dedicate the little that we have to the Lord and allow Him to turn it into an instrument of blessing. We will find that our little can be multiplied into much when it is put it into God's hands and we will also discover the amazing difference our one life can make in the lives of others. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/25/11
TWENTY-FOUR, SEVEN

Scripture: Psalms 121:3 "He that keeps you will not slumber."

There is a phrase that has been coined recently, which is "24-7." The news media uses this term quite frequently to inform their audiences that they are going to be reporting the news non-stop, twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. According to the psalmist, this is the same timetable that God keeps, for He never sleeps, takes a weekend off, or has vacation time. He is a "24-7" God. He is there all of the time. He never leaves us or forsakes us, but watches over us twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week.

Even though we may not recognize it, God not only watches over us but continually works in our life. Whether in the daylight or dark, He is working in the natural and in the spiritual realm. His plans are much higher than our plans and He is working for us when things seem bad and also when things seem good. He is there 24-7 rearranging our schedules and diverting our paths to keep us from harm. There is nothing too great for the Lord to handle and also nothing too small for Him to care about.

In the midst of the darkness, God watched over the Israelites who had marked their door post with the blood of the lamb and He disallowed the death angel to take their first born. Later, God worked throughout the night to roll back the Red Sea and prepared a dry path right in the midst of it so that Moses and the Israelites could escape their enemies. God was awake at midnight to shake the prison doors open for Paul and Silas, and He also spent the night with Daniel in the lion's den. God walked in the midst of the fiery furnace with the three Hebrew children. He was also there in the Garden of Gethsemane when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. These servants of God couldn't see Him but He was there just the same, and manifested His mighty presence in their midst.

God is awesome and He is with you right now. Things may get rough at times as you live out your "24-7s". The storms may come, the winds may blow, the sky may turn dark, and the night may seem long, but God is neither absent nor asleep. Instead, He is right in the midst of your life and very alert. You must learn to trust in His wisdom and depend upon His hands to help you make it through your personal situations. God will not sit down or rest in the midst of your battles but will impart His strength and empower you with His Spirit so that you can experience victory with every challenge. God never slumbers and will keep you TWENTY-FOUR, SEVEN. +++

A Word In Due Season
5th Week of November 2011

11/28/11
IN GOD'S STRENGTH

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The Amplified Bible says: "I have strength for all things. I am ready for anything.
I am equal to anything."

Every change in life brings new levels of responsibility and presents new challenges. Yet, the Apostle Paul was convinced that in all things, Christ would strengthen him. He felt that Christ could make him ready for anything and equal to anything. We can draw strength from Paul's faith filled words. Whatever the case may be, whether it is a new job, a new baby in the home, or a new area of ministry, God is able to give us strength for each and every occasion. Through His life giving power, He miraculously makes us fit.

The fifteenth chapter of John tells us that Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. As branches, when we abide in Jesus and draw our life from Him, He infuses us with inner strength. When we are filled with His life and energy, we produce fruit. We don't have to be anxious about the fruit or try to force it to happen. It just happens. The life of Christ flowing through us produces strength and causes fruit to come forth.
Philippians 4:13 is always quoted in the sense that Christ will strengthen us in every great and noble thing that comes our way. However, in verse twelve, Paul speaks of not only knowing how to live when things are going good, but also of knowing how to be abased and live humbly when circumstances are poor and meager. He said, "I have learned in any and all circumstances, the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having sufficiency and to spare or going without and being in want." He learned the secret of the sufficiency of God's grace. When Paul was in need, God told him, "My grace is sufficient for you" (II Cor.12:9). God made it clear that He was all that Paul needed and that when Paul was weak, God would be there to perfect his strength.

Just as in Paul's situation, Christ doesn't strengthen us just for the great and mighty challenges in our lives, but also for those times that we face struggle and defeat. Whatever the challenge, good or bad, Christ gives us strength, makes us ready for anything, and also makes us equal to anything. All that we must do is to make sure that we stay attached to the vine because if we abide in Him, His grace will always, always, always be sufficient. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/29/11
GOD OF A SECOND CHANCE

Scripture: Isaiah 11:11 "The Lord shall set His hand again the second time."

In context, this scripture refers to the regathering of the Jewish people. Yet, there are examples of this second chance concept working in the lives of some of the most profound men in the scriptures and God also does the same thing for us. He is a wonderful God and remains faithful in the midst of our failures and offers us another chance. He is our Father and is waiting for us with open arms like the father of the prodigal son. It doesn't matter what we have done, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

Many times God used men who needed a second chance. We see Moses slaying an Egyptian, but God still used Moses to become a great leader that brought deliverance to a multitude of people who were in bondage. Then we see King David in Psalms 51 repenting of murder, lying, and adultery, but God still had a glorious plan for David's life. As David asked for forgiveness, God purged him, created a new heart within him, and also restored the joy of his salvation. David didn't have to settle for just forgiveness. God restored the entire relationship between them. God is no respecter of persons. He will do the same thing for you.

We see Paul in the book of Acts persecuting and killing the Christians. He thought he was doing God's work, but he was deceived. After he experienced Jesus, he expressed his feelings of unworthiness. He said, "I am the least worthy of all the apostles, and am not deserving to be called an apostle, because I once wronged, pursued, and molested the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and His grace bestowed on me is not in vain" (I Cor. 15:9-10). Paul was determined that the grace that God extended to him would not be wasted. Even though Paul had oppressed the church with cruelty and violence, he sought for forgiveness. And even though he felt unworthy, he made a decision that he would fulfill the call of God on his life to be an apostle. We also see Peter denying Christ three times in Mark 14:66-72. Yet, later in the book of Acts, God anointed Peter as he stood before the multitudes and preached about this same Jesus that he had once denied.

Where would we be if these men had not found the forgiveness and grace they needed? Their work would have stopped at the point of their failure. The prodigal son would have never returned to restore joy to his grieving and hurting father. The same forgiveness and grace these men experienced is available to us today. God's heart aches and His Spirit grieves until we return to the point of His grace. God is full of mercy and He desires to restore our lives and our relationship with Him because He is the God of a second chance. +++

Copyright © 2011 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
11/30/11
RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND JOY

Scripture: Romans 14:17 "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

Paul describes the kingdom of God in these few powerful words; righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  These words of definition are terms of extreme excellence. Jesus told us in Luke 17:21 that this "kingdom of God is within us." What an enormous thought that the righteousness, peace, and joy of God is dwelling within us. When we have been born again by God's Spirit, we are a branch that is connected to the vine, Jesus, and the same life of God that flows through Jesus flows through us. Yet, there are times that this flow is hindered because we get out of the will of God and are no longer walking by faith in the paths of His righteousness. When this happens, the peace and joy cease to flow in our lives. David experienced this when he sinned against God. As he prayed for forgiveness, he also felt a need to pray for the joy of God's salvation to be restored in his life (Psalm 51).

Jesus warned us that this kingdom of God would suffer violence (Matthew 11:12). We can be sure that the righteousness, peace, and joy, which resides within us will be challenged and that we will suffer adversity because the word says that the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. His purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy the kingdom of God that is within us because he doesn't want our testimony to be one of righteousness, peace, and joy. But God has made us to be overcomers in this life.  He has given us the authority to resist the devil and told us that no weapon that has been formed against us can prosper.  We are protected through the Name of Jesus, His Word, and His Blood. However, although we are more than conquerors where the devil is concerned, we still have to fight the good fight of faith and maintain God's kingdom in our hearts.

Jesus told us to make the kingdom of God a priority in our lives. He said, "Don't worry about what you are going to eat, drink, or wear, but seek first the kingdom of God. As you do, all things that you need will be added to you." We are to seek righteousness, peace, and joy on a daily basis. These things are more important than any material thing that we can gather and store.  Righteousness comes by faith and is a work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 3:22). Perfect peace comes to us as our mind is stayed on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3). And fullness of joy comes to us as we dwell in the Lord's presence (Psalm 16:11), singing praises and worshiping Him. God makes life so simple. As we seek His kingdom, He will build our own personal kingdom and all that we need will be added to us. +++