www.widsonline.com

A Word In Due Season
1st Week of March 2012

03/01/12
ABUNDANT LIFE

Scripture: Luke 12:15 "A man's life doesn't consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses."

What is abundant life? Jesus said that you can't measure the quality of life by the quantity of your possessions, for an abundant life comes only through a relationship with Him. In John 10:10, Jesus said that He came that we might have and enjoy life. To experience this abundant life we have to separate ourselves from the mindset of the world. Our view often becomes distorted as we view the lives of the rich and famous. We see their incredible homes and possessions and hear of their enormous wealth. For those of us who live modest lifestyles, it is too much to comprehend. Every detail of their life becomes intriguing as we assume their possessions mirror their happiness. We forget what Jesus said.

Jesus taught that what you have or don't have doesn't define life. The tangible is not a gage of God's blessings, nor is it a guarantee of an abundant life. Money and possessions are no substitute for true wealth and prosperity. You can't accumulate enough money to purchase eternal life and peace for your soul. It comes to you as a free gift just like the other most precious things on this earth such as love, family, friendship, health, and happiness. These are the things that make for an abundant life.

Jesus could turn water into wine and multiply bread and fish. Yet, regardless of His power, He lived a very simple life and was not caught up with material things. Jesus had no earthly home or possessions and in death He had to be laid in a borrowed tomb for a few days. But He experienced an abundant life because His life consisted of doing the will of His Father. Peter also did not possess the wealth of this world, for he spoke to the lame man and said, "Silver and gold have I none." However, because of the abundant life of God that resided inside of him, Peter was able to impart healing in the name of Jesus Christ to the man. Like Peter and like Jesus, your possessions may be meager. You may never have very much silver and gold, but you have something far more valuable. You have access to the abundant life that Jesus offers, which is a life that does not consist of things, but consist of Him and all that He is. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/02/12
WITS' END

Scripture: Psalms 107:27 "Ships in great waters reel to and fro .... and are at their wits' end."

Like the ships in great waters, there are problems and situations in our lives that bring us to our wits' end. We do all that we know to do, but our resources are limited and insufficient to deliver us from the storm or to spare us from the difficulty that we are facing. Just like the mariner, it seems that our ship mounts up to the heavens on the high waves, and then descends into the depths of the ocean. Our lives are tossed to and fro and our souls melt because of the trouble that we are in. We can no longer navigate the ship and like the seaman our wisdom is to no avail. There is no time to think because of the turmoil of the restless sea that surrounds us.

Yet with God all things are possible if we look to Him for the help that we need. Verse twenty-eight tells us what to do when we are at our wits' end. It says, "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble." When we begin to cry out for help, God will calm the storm, caused the waves to be still, and bring us into a safe haven. There are examples throughout the scriptures of people who were at the end of themselves and their situations, but God intervened with His plan. Following are four examples for your own life.

You may have come to your wit's end regarding your finances.  The widow in I Kings 17 had come to the end of her provision in a great time of famine. She planned to make a cake for herself and her son and then just die. But the prophet came with God's plan and challenged her to give. As she gave and met the prophet's need, God met her needs and sustained her through the famine. So be obedient to the Lord's request and He will sustain you.

You may be facing a serious health issue. The woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years in Matthew 5:25-34 had spent all that she had on the physicians and had not become better, but grew worse. She was at the end of her finances and health. But in her desperation, she put her faith into action, pushed through the crowds and reached out to Jesus, and was healed. So when you are at the end of your health, reach out in faith to the Lord for your healing.

Your relationships with others may be at their wit's end.  The prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 had abused his relationship with his father, squandered all of his inheritance, and eventually found himself eating the swine's food. He was at the end of his own devices, but when he finally came to himself, he returned to his father and repented. As he cried out to his father, his father responded. For since the day the son had left, the father had been waiting for his son's return. Remember that your friends and family are waiting for reconciliation so be the first to return and reach out in love.

You may be at the end and ready to give up on ministry.  Joseph in Genesis 37-47 was treated unjustly many times, lied about, and rejected by his brothers. Even the chief butler and baker forgot about Joseph when they were released from the prison. Many times Joseph must have come to his wit's end, thinking that the dreams and visions that God had given him had no chance of ever coming to pass. However, God fulfilled the dream and in one day's time Joseph was raised from the prison to the palace, and from obscurity to fame. Continue in faith and you will reach your God ordained destiny.

Just like these examples, God is always there when you to come to your wit's end and will rescue you when you turn to Him for help. When your desperation brings you to this place, you will find that God is there and you will discover that He is smarter than you are. When you come to the end of yourself and put your complete trust in Him, you are at the beginning of God and the miracle that He has planned for you. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================

A Word In Due Season
2nd Week of March 2012

03/05/12
SHIELD OF FAITH

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16 "Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked."

God provides us with great spiritual armor that enables us to stand against all the strategies of the devil. This armor is not just to be displayed on a shelf, but is to be used continually in our battle against the principalities and powers of wickedness. We are to keep this armor on in the good times as well as the bad times, so that we are not taken off guard when evil attempts to surprise us. Every piece of the armor is vital, but when Paul listed them, he said, "Above all, take the shield of faith." Above all the other pieces of armor, we are to take the shield of faith because it is held in the forefront and helps protect the other pieces of armor. It also protects any area that the armor itself might not cover.

This word "shield" in the Greek in this particular situation is interpreted as "door or gate" or "entrance, which opens and closes." Our faith or shield of faith has the ability to open or close the door to the forces of evil. Doubt, fear, and unbelief will always challenge us and we can either allow these fiery darts to afflict our spirits and soul or we can stand against them in faith. We can stand behind our shield of faith in integrity or open the door and allow the enemy to penetrate and destroy our principles. We can hold to our faith in truth and refuse to discuss the "ifs" and "cans" of God's will and ability or we can let our shield down and be drawn into a damming conversation with the devil who is the father of all lies. When we lift up our shield of faith and determine to stand concerning the things that we believe, the water of God's word will quench the fiery darts that come against us.

In I Kings 22:29-37 there is a story about King Ahab who was in battle against the King of Syria. Verse thirty-four says that King Ahab was killed because a certain man drew a bow at venture, without taking specific aim, and the arrow hit in the area where the king's armor was divided. This was just a small unprotected place in his armor, yet it yielded death to the king. King Ahab probably never thought too much about this insignificant place, but had his shield been lifted up, it would have protected this open area in his armor and saved him from destruction.

Like this story, the enemy of our soul goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. All he needs is one small vulnerable place in our spiritual armor that will allow him to cause havoc in our lives. When he finds it, he aims a fiery dart. The results of his efforts are up to us, for the damage of his attack will depend upon whether or not our shield of faith is between us and him. So above all, let us lift up the shield of faith. +++

Scripture: Genesis 3:1 (NIV) "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say?'"

The devil is very subtle and from the beginning of time he has always approached mankind with doubt. With just two people on the earth, he started his method of deceit. He approached Eve in the Garden of Eden with the words, "Did God really say?" He also used this same approach with Jesus over 2000 years ago and has continued with this tactic throughout the ages. Even today, his main weapon is to plant fear and doubt in the minds and hearts of the believer.

For instance, Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong, courageous and firm, fear not, nor be in terror before them; for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you." These are simple words that God wants us to believe. Yet the devil attempts to distort them by planting just the opposite thoughts in our minds in an effort to dispel the faith that is within our hearts. He changes these words and speaks to our mind saying, "Be weak, be afraid, shrink back and run in terror, for the Lord your God is not with you. He has failed and forsaken you." Have you ever experienced this conflict in your mind that brought doubt and caused you to wonder if you can handle the challenge that was set before you? Has he painted the mountains of adversity so big that you feel that they can't be conquered? Has he said that it's okay for you to fear because you can't make it through this ordeal or this illness? If so, it is time to resist the devil and believe and confess the Word of God.

I had a pastor who had a unique way of handling the voice of deception. When fear and doubt would attack his mind and speak against what God had promised in His Word, my pastor would say, "Thank you, Mr. Devil, for letting me know the real truth." He knew that everything the devil said was a lie. My pastor would then confess just the opposite of the tormenting words that were trying to engage his mind in doubt and unbelief. The devil will try to distort God's words and question His intentions, but God's words are true and will remain forever. In every instance in life, you must know that God is in control and there is nothing to fear. God's words of judgment will always leave you in peace, His corrections will be gentle and full of grace, and His chastisement will be accomplished with love. Remember to keep your mind on what God said. Don't allow the devil to engage you in battle. When he challenges your faith and questions the promises of God that are within your heart by saying, "Did God really say?", then simply respond, "Yes, God did say." +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/07/12
GOD CAN AND GOD WILL

Scripture: Psalms 78:19 "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?"

God did many signs and wonders in the lives of the people of Israel as He led them out of Egypt. They saw Him divide the Red Sea and cause the water to stand in a heap on each side of them as they passed through on dry ground. They witnessed their deliverance as God used those same waters to destroy their enemies. God miraculously guided them with a cloud during the day and a fire by night. He provided water from a rock to quench their thirst and angel's food, or manna, to eat. Each day for forty years He sufficiently met every need that challenged them. Yet, they forgot God's marvelous works and spoke out against Him saying, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?"

The chosen people of God continually provoked Him as they journeyed in the wilderness. They grieved, tempted, and limited the Holy One of Israel by their words and actions. From one miracle to the next, they would forget what God had done for them. It would seem that their faith would have grown stronger with each passing miracle. But instead, they questioned God's ability with each new event, often speaking out against Him and their leader, Moses. They never came to the place where they really knew God or truly trusted Him. Because of the cruel bondage that they had suffered for so long, their spirits were full of anguish and it was difficult for them to believe for anything better (Exodus 6:9).

How many times have we questioned God's ability to take care of our needs? We think our problem is too great or it has gone on too long. Because of past hurts and anguish, we just can't seem to come to the place where we can trust God to furnish a solution. The current turmoil distracts us and we fail to rely upon God who has always been there and has never failed. We do the same thing the people of Israel did. We grieve, tempt, and limit the Holy One of Israel. Even though God has proved Himself in the past and is quite able to meet our present need, He can't do very many mighty works in our lives because He is limited by our unbelief (Matthew 13:58). God wants to move mightily in your life and furnish a table in your wilderness. Trust in Him for every need and instead of asking the question "Can God?" start believing and declaring, "God can and God will." +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/08/12
ACTIONS ARE LOUDER THAN WORDS

Scripture: Matthew 21:31 "Which of the two did the will of the Father?"

There is a story about three frogs who were sitting on a log over a pond, discussing whether or not to jump into the pond. Finally one frog said, "I've decided to jump." According to this statement, how many frogs were left sitting on the log? The answer is three! Even though the one frog made the decision and verbal commitment to jump, he never followed through with any action. He continued to sit on the log with the other frogs, never accomplishing his goal. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus tells a similar story about a man who had two sons. He asked the first son to work in his vineyard, who refused by saying, "I will not." Later, that son repented and went to the vineyard and worked for his father. Likewise, the father asked the second son to work in his vineyard. The second son answered and said, "I will go, sir," but he never followed through with his commitment. Jesus then questioned the disciples about which son had done the will of the father. The answer is obvious. The son who acted upon the request of the father is the one who actually did his father's will, not the one who just verbally agreed with it.

It's not what you say you are going to do - it's what you do that counts with God. The decision to act gets you only half way there. God is interested in the final results. James 2:17 tells us that if faith doesn't have corresponding works and acts of obedience to back it up, it is destitute of power and dead. Anyone can make a verbal commitment to do God's will, but that statement is dead without actual performance.

In John 6:38 Jesus said," I came down from Heaven not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." Even though Jesus prayed in agony three times and asked the Father to allow the cup of suffering to pass from Him, He still submitted Himself to God's will. He said, "Never the less, Thy will be done." He made a decision and a verbal commitment to respond to God's will and then followed through with actions. He could have called ten thousand angels to come to His rescue at any time. Instead, Jesus followed His Father's will to the end by giving His own life on the cross, thus completing God's redemptive plan. Jesus' actions spoke louder than His words. Think about His commitment and sacrifice and then ask yourself if your own actions are as loud as your words. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/09/12
MIRACLES OF LIFE

Scripture: Mark 6:52 "For they considered not the miracles of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."

The disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water just after they had watched Him miraculously multiply five loaves and two fish into enough food to feed five thousand men, plus the women and children. However, verse fifty-one says that when He came walking to them on the water, they were amazed beyond measure. They had seen Jesus do so many miracles up to this point and yet they were amazed and wondered when they saw Him walk on the water. It seemed that it was too much for them to comprehend. There is no mention that the disciples were ever amazed or wondered when Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish even though they gave out the food as it was multiplied and also gathered up the abundant leftovers. They never questioned how the food was multiplied and it seemed that their hearts had become hardened to this miracle of provision, for they didn't even consider it.

Albert Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." When we think about it, life itself is a wonderful miracle that we can't comprehend with our finite mind. Our whole being has been created in God's image and the scriptures declare that our physical bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. The world around us is a miracle and everything in it functions in a miraculous way. We have electricity, transportation, and communication systems among other things. Yet too often, we take all of these things for granted and disregard God's amazing miracles that are at our fingertips and that we enjoy every day of our lives. One of the greatest wonders to me is the fact that we have twenty-six simple letters in an alphabet that allows us to communicate through writing. Where would we be without books and literature or the ability to communicate with written words? Life would be dull indeed. Also, we have nine numbers and a zero that allows us to count further than we need for our daily lives and also further than our minds can even comprehend. These are very simple but amazing things that should provoke a thankful spirit within us.

Most of us can recall things that happen in our past that we counted as miracles and we can remember how excited we were when the incident occurred. Perhaps we found some money or provision came in unexpectedly to pay a debt. Our bodies may have experienced a supernatural healing or a relationship may have been restored that we thought was lost forever. Maybe God had intervened in our lives and caused us to escape a terrible accident. Too often we allow time to pass without considering those things that once were so precious in our thoughts. We must allow our hearts to go back to these awesome experiences and recall the special things that God has done in our lives. As we do, we will find that our faith will be renewed for the things of the present and our hope strengthened for the future. Let us consider the words of Albert Einstein and determine to live our lives as though everything is a miracle. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================

A Word In Due Season
3rd Week of March 2012

03/12/12
IDOLS OF THE HEART

Scripture: Matthew 19:21-22 "Jesus said, ... sell what you have and give to the poor ... But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful for he had great possessions."

A rich man desired to become a follower of Jesus and thought himself to be a good candidate because he had kept all the commandments of God all of his life. Yet Jesus told the rich man that he lacked one thing and He instructed the man to sell everything that he had and give it to the poor. The rich man's truest desires were exposed when he was unable to give up his riches in exchange for God's kingdom. His wealth and material possessions had become the god of his life and were ruling his heart. His refusal to surrender his riches prevented him from completing God's will and left him sorrowful in heart.

When we think of idols, we usually think of images of heathen worship. But as Jesus showed us in this story, there are other things that can rule our hearts. Idols are very easy to form. Job security, children, relationships, fame, fortune, and even ministry can become idols in our life. God is not against His people having these things, but He doesn't want those things to dictate our lives. He wants to be the King of our life and to rule all the kingdoms of our heart.

God's ways are never like our ways. Throughout scripture, we see the principle of eternal exchange. Jesus emptied Himself and became a servant so that He could become Lord. He refused the kingdoms that Satan offered Him in order to gain the Kingdom of God. Likewise, we must give up something to receive what God has for us. We have to forsake all to follow Him. If we want to be great, we have to humble ourselves and become the least. We have to lose our life so that we may find it. We must bury seeds in the ground to obtain a harvest in the field. We must love our enemies in order to accomplish our revenge. We must give what we have so that we may receive what we need. All of our selfish motives and desires must be dethroned before God can truly accomplish His purposes in our lives. We can never receive what God has intended for us until we let go of the treasures that hold our hearts. When the idols of our heart are surrendered, we will not be sorrowful because we will gain the Kingdom of God, which is a far greater rate of exchange. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/13/12
BE OF GOOD CHEER

Scripture: John 16:33 "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Sometimes we think that because we are born again Christians we should live in a bubble of protection and be able to live a life of ease. But Jesus says, "This is not so." He said there would always be tribulations and difficulties in this world. A lady once asked a minister to pray for her that she would have no problems and that the devil would not be able to attack her in any way. The minister then began to pray for her, asking God to take her to Heaven immediately. The lady stopped him and said, "I don't want to die, I just want to be free of problems." The minister then explained that the only way to be totally free from tribulations would to be to enter the gates of Heaven, for it is only there that all of our trails are ended and our tears are wiped away.

Even though we are destined to experience difficulties in this world, Jesus told us to be cheerful and to understand that He is in control. He has overcome all of the forces of evil. It is a finished work. He speaks these encouraging words to us in advance to prepare us and give us strength so that we may be able to maintain our inner peace. When conflicts come, we can be assured that Jesus has a plan and we can rest in the fact that all things are going to work out for our good.

Acts 14:22 tells us that just a few days after Paul had been stoned and left for dead, he exhorted the people to continue in faith, saying that we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. Paul's encouraging words to endure tribulations were not empty words spoken by a man who had not experienced difficulty. If I had been stoned and left for dead, I would probably tell you to run and hide when you were faced with the same adversity. But Paul told us to "glory in tribulations" because by the time they are finished we will have gained several qualities (Romans 5:3-5).

Those new gained qualities are that tribulations will work patience. Patience will work experience or prove our character. Experience will develop hope, and hope will cause the love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts. The Message Bible says it another way. When the tribulation is finished, "We're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary -- we can't round up enough containers to hold everything that God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" So when tribulations come, and they will, be cheerful knowing that Jesus has overcome. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/14/12
BEYOND YOUR WOUNDS

Scripture: Psalms 109:22 "For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me."

David cried out to God for deliverance and made his petitions very clear. He declared that his enemies had surrounded him with words of hatred and fought against him without a cause (Verse 3). He asked God to judge these false accusers who had lied and spoken deceitfully against him, saying, "Don't hold Your peace" (Verse 1).

David's heart was seriously wounded within him as he cried out for mercy and deliverance from the Lord. He was a man that loved God with all of his heart. He was the king of Israel, a strong leader, and a mighty warrior. Yet underneath the royal robes and warrior's armor, there was a man with a sensitive heart. He wasn't exempt from emotional pain because of his position in life or because of his strength as a leader. He could hurt within just like any other man and he saw God as his only recourse in this situation. David opened up his heart before God and allowed God to see his wounds as he stood before God and confessed his pain and his need.

C. S. Lewis once said, "God whispers to us in our pleasure and shouts to us in our pain." Many times in our season of pleasure we become relaxed and distracted. There is no driving force that causes us to fast, pray, and search for God. When we are in this state, we often miss the still small voice of God because our hearts are not turned in His direction and our ears are not tuned to His voice. Yet, when we are hurting in some way or facing a mountain of adversity, we become more attentive and it seems that God's voice is much easier to hear. We seek for a solution, we search for an answer, and we listen for Him to speak. His slightest whisper becomes a shout within our spirits.

David was wounded and was facing a need, but he knew that beyond his wounds there was an answer and that answer was God, Himself. He made a commitment to God, saying, "I will give myself to prayer." Like David, you must look beyond your wounds and needs and go to God in prayer. He has your answers. Get a glimpse of God and then allow Him to deliver you and redeem your situation. +++

Scripture: Esther 4:14 "... you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion."

God did not choose Moses, Joseph, Elijah, or any of the other great men of the Bible to live in this dark hour of human history. He chose you for this time and this season. Your life is not a dress rehearsal - it is the real play. God has set you on the stage of life in a particular place at a particular time to do a work for Him. He has ordained you and equipped you for the occasion that you now face with your family, friends, career, and ministry. It's up to you to fulfill His divine purposes.

In Luke 9:62, Jesus said that if you put your hand to the plow and go forward, you will be fit for the kingdom of God. In other words, when you focus on going forward you will be someone that God can use in His kingdom. Jesus didn't give other options for you to consider. You are to take up your cross and follow Him daily. It's easy to follow God when you first start out. With fresh energy in the cool of the morning, plowing doesn't seem so hard. Later in the day, however, when the sun's rays begin to beam, your muscles begin to ache, and the sweat begins to pour from your brow, you may start to wonder if the harvest is worth the effort. When you look back to what could have been while you are trying to plow God's field, it indicates that you have questions about God's directions for your life, and your hesitation to obey His commands reflects your lack of trust in His wisdom.

You must choose not to look back. The most limiting thing in life is a firm choice. It means that you refuse to allow current circumstances to sway your faith and manipulate you. Look at the account of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20:24. He said, "None of these things move me." Paul was called to the Kingdom to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wasn't going to allow afflictions, persecutions, jail sentences, or even death itself to deter him from God's call. He made a determination not only to finish his course, but to finish it with joy. His main interest was the will of God, not his own welfare. Paul possessed an attitude of consecration that caused him to press towards the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus. For this reason, he never looked back. Like the Apostle Paul, God has a plan and purpose for your life. You are called to God's kingdom for such a time as this to experience the very occasion that you now face. Will you trust God with all of your heart and put your hand to the plow and not look back? +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/16/12
SO MUCH MORE

Scripture: John 21:25 (NLT) "Jesus also did many others things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written."

We have libraries, bookstores, and homes that are filled with books on various subjects. Can you imagine that if all of these books only contained information about Jesus that there would still be much more to say about Him? The Apostle John said that the world could not even contain all the books that could be written about Jesus. His life as the Son of God and as the Son of man is just too enormous to record and His works are too glorious to be totally contained even in a multitude of books. This is the reason there were many things left unsaid by the disciples and followers of Jesus. There were even signs and wonders that Jesus did in the presence of His disciples that were not written about in the scriptures (John 20:31).

The scriptures speak prophetically about Jesus before He came to Earth and they also record the events of His life after He came. They tell us about the healings and miracles that He did. They also speak of His acts of love and kindness, His words of judgment and peace, His journey to the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His miraculous ascension into Heaven. The scriptures even speak of Jesus returning to Earth some day. These mighty accounts of His life impart information and inspire our faith, yet His life was still so full that all of the things that He did and felt were not recorded.

Jesus lived on the Earth thirty-three years and His ministry lasted three and one-half years, yet, we only have access to a small portion of His life and His Godly wisdom. There is no way to record all of His knowledge and understanding or to explain how the gifts of the Holy Spirit worked in His life. Neither are there enough words to explain the measure of the love that was in His heart, which caused Him to give His life willing on the cross of Calvary, for the love of Christ passes all knowledge and understanding (Ephesians 3:19). How many books would it take to explain the holy grief that He felt for those who rejected Him or how many volumes would it take to describe His emotional agony and physical pain on the cross? Who really knows all of the changes that He made in the hearts of the men, women, and children who witnessed His life? Words are just too few and too inadequate to convey His righteousness, mercy, and grace.

The truth is that no life can be wrapped up in written words or pages in a book, for a personality has to be experienced. I could write many books about my children and grandchildren but my words could never explain to you their individual characteristics. I could write a million words and never convey my depth of love for them. I could write a book today and tell you all that I know about them, but it would be out of date tomorrow because their lives change daily. The only way you could ever possibly know and understand who they are would be by spending personal time with them.

With all of this in mind, I encourage you to not only read all that can about Jesus in the scriptures but to also spend time with Him. Meditate on His words and the words that were spoken about Him and give attention to Him in worship and communion. As you do, you will gain immeasurable knowledge about who Jesus is as a person and you will agree with the Apostle John that Jesus is too wonderful to be contained even in a multitude of books. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================

A Word In Due Season
4th Week of March 2012

03/19/12
DO ALL YOU CAN

Scripture: Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Our Christian character isn't developed by just exercising moral or legal correctness, but also comes as the Holy Spirit works within us to minister to those around us. Each day provides us with ample opportunities to do good. We just have to watch for them. There are hurting people everywhere who need a good word spoken to them or a helping hand stretched in their direction. They need an ear to listen to their heart beat or a shoulder to cry upon. They need someone who can envision their dream and dream with them. There are also those who have grown weary in well doing and need someone to encourage them to continue. Many just need a friend to pray or an ally who will stand with them against the enemy who is attacking their soul. There is an interesting story concerning World War II, even though some of the details escape my memory.

There were some soldiers who were being held captive by their enemy. The enemy forced the soldiers to make weapons that were to be dropped on the captive soldier's own men and allies. The captive soldier faced death themselves if they did not comply with the orders of their enemy so they faithfully appeared to work as instructed.

However, when the bombs were dropped from the warplanes, all of them turned out to be duds and none of them exploded. When the bombs were investigated, they were found to contain notes inside that said, "Doing everything that we can, with all that we have, for as long as we can." The soldiers were held captive and couldn't fight against the enemy themselves, but they wanted their comrades and allies to know that they were still working with them and making the most out of every opportunity.

In essence, this is all that God wants or expects from us. He is all knowing and never asks us to do the impossible or to give what we do not have. He simply asks, "Do everything that you can, with all that you have, and for as long as you can." His requests may require faith and sacrifice, but He will see you through every situation and reward all of your efforts. Nothing will go unnoticed by the Father as you do good to all men and especially those of the household faith. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/20/12
THAT WHICH IS NOT

Scripture: Proverbs 23:5 "Will you set your eyes upon that which is not?”

King Solomon, the richest and wisest man who ever lived, wrote these words concerning riches. In this same verse, he continued to say, "Riches certainly make themselves wings and fly away as an eagle towards heaven." Riches are fleeting and elusive so Solomon advised in verse four, "Labor not to be rich and cease from your own wisdom."

Solomon wrote these words several hundred years before Christ was even born, yet they are just as true today some 2700 or 2900 years later as they were he wrote them. In very recent days, we have seen secure jobs terminated, retirement benefits lost, and market investments diminished. The hopes and futures of many innocent people have been dashed to pieces through no fault of their own. We had set our eyes on the security of our riches and found as Solomon so wisely stated, "they were not." The riches and security of many took wings and suddenly flew away as an eagle towards heaven. It was devastating and very sad.

As we think about Solomon's words and have witnessed the losses that many have experienced, we come to the same conclusion that he did. We must not labor to be rich, for the security of riches "is not." The only riches that are secure are those eternal ones that we have in God, and the only labor that is not in vain is the labor that we extend for Him. The only investments that are secure and will never be lost are those that we invest into His Kingdom, and the only treasures that are secure are the ones that we put into God's hands for Him to hold. God is our only hope and security and without Him, we are left very lacking. We must set our eyes upon God and not upon those things "which are not." We must cease from our own wisdom and acknowledge Him in all of our ways.

Solomon also said in Proverbs 3:5-6, we are to trust God with all of our heart and not lean upon our own understanding. As we put our lives into God's hands and diligently trust in His wisdom, He will direct our paths. Even in the times of great loss, when our riches have taken flight, we will have nothing to fear. God will remain our security and our labor will never be in vain. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/21/12
HIDE YOURSELF

Scripture: Isaiah 26:20 "Come, My people, enter into your chamber, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself for a little moment ... "

Isaiah spoke about the people of God who were in such turmoil that he compared them to a woman about to give birth. In their day of trouble, they went to the Lord and poured out their hearts to Him. Isaiah said they cried out in pain before God like a woman who is travailing in labor as she gives birth to a child. God answered their cries of distress and told them to go into their chambers, shut their doors behind them, and hide themselves for a little while.

God extends this awesome invitation to us as well. Yet when challenges come, our natural instinct is to run here and there trying to solve our own problems. In our confusion, the enemy of our soul moves in and tries to deceive us into thinking that we have been left alone and that God is too busy or too far away to help. Satan tries to force us out of our hiding place and away from the presence of God. Satan's aim is to destroy our faith so that we become discouraged and lose all hope. He knows that when we give in to a spirit of hopelessness, we are defeated.

When hopelessness and defeat challenge you, you must follow the prophet Isaiah's words. You must hide yourself in the secret place of God's presence, even if it is just for a moment, so that you can listen for His voice of instruction. Shut the door to every distraction that would cause you to make a hasty and wrong decision. As you enter God's presence He will draw you to Himself and hide you under the shelter of His love and keep you in His peace away from the present danger. As you wait before Him, God will regenerate you and give you new strength so that you are able to mount up with wings as the eagles and soar above the current problems that are challenging you.

In every situation, you are to cast every care upon the Lord and never forget that He cares for you. Just as He cares for the smallest sparrow, He is watching over every facet of your life and will take care of your situation. God is still in control and is in the process of working all things out for your good. The Lord's solution to your situation is for you to enter into His chamber, shut the door behind you, and continue to keep yourself hidden in His presence. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/22/12
THE LORD'S MERCY

Scripture: Genesis 19:16 (Living Bible) "When Lot hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safely outside the city, for the Lord was merciful."

Two angels came to rescue Lot and his family from the destruction that was about to occur to Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels said, "Flee for your lives ... and don't look back." Even though the angels warned Lot to leave quickly so that he would escape the judgment that was to come, Lot hesitated. Fleeing the city meant that he would have to leave behind his home and everything that he had acquired, including his friends and two son-in-laws. Lot's hesitation almost cost him his life, but God's angels intervened because the Lord was merciful.

Can you look back on your life today and see the many times that God intervened, saving you from heartache and destruction? Maybe God kept you from marrying the wrong person whom you thought you were madly in love with or stopped you when you were thinking about ending your good marriage. Possibly, God intervened when you were about to go in debt, overextending yourself financially. Did you ever look back on a car or house deal that you had prayed and asked God for and then thanked Him that He did not answer your prayer because you found a better deal somewhere else? God is so merciful to us. Even though we can't see it at the time, He always has our best interest in mind and will always give us the best when we allow Him to do the choosing.

God desperately tries to lead us by His Holy Spirit so that He can bless us and rescue us from hurtful situations, but like Lot, we often hesitate. We don't want to let go of where we are and walk into the future with nothing but childlike faith in God. We continually look back to old relationships that have failed and refuse to let go of our past hurts. We bitterly hang on to the hurtful memories so that we can't truly forgive. We dwell on the negative reports of the doctors, which hinder God's Word of healing for our bodies. Yet, the Lord continues to be merciful to us.

Lamentations 3:21-23 says, "Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving kindness begins afresh each day." We can thank the Lord that when we hesitate to do His will or trust His word, we still have a ray of hope. God's faithful compassion and mercies never end, and He will take necessary steps to keep us from complete destruction. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/23/12
I WILL NOT FEAR

Scripture: Psalms 118:6 "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?"

When you stand on the edge of the cliff or there is a Red Sea before you, it is not the time to put your trust in man, for he will probably fail your expectations. It is the time to trust in God and ask Him to deliver you in your situation. The psalmist said that he called upon the Lord in the day of his distress and the Lord answered him. Knowing that the Lord was on his side, the psalmist was able to boldly declare that he would not fear what man could do to him. Safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of the Lord. When you are hemmed in on every side and are forced to meet your adversary, it is a great security to know that the Champion of all battles is with you and that He is on your side.

Think of some of the saints of old that showed no fear in the midst of life threatening situations. David faced Goliath, the giant, but had confidence that the Lord was on his side, so he ran towards Goliath in battle. God was faithful and delivered the giant into David's hand. Daniel prayed openly to God knowing that he would be thrown into a lion's den. He trusted in God and knew that man could not do anything to him that God didn't allow. God shut the mouths of the lions and Daniel's deliverance became a mighty testimony to the king. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had no fear of death or the fiery furnace. The Lord showed that He was on their side and even walked with them in the midst of the fire. He delivered them in such a mighty way that when they came out of the fire, there wasn't even the smell of smoke upon them.

Live or die, we must come to the same conclusions that these courageous men did. And, like the psalmist, we must make bold confessions of our faith that are based upon the Word of the Lord. As we look through the scriptures, we can boldly say:

1.) I will not fear when things go wrong because God is on my side, and all things are going to work together for my good because I love Him and am called according to His purposes. (Rom. 8:28)

2.) I will not fear when I do not have sufficient funds, because God is able to meet all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. (Phil. 4:19)

3.) I will not fear when danger approaches me because God is my refuge and He will hide me under the shelter of His wings. (Ps. 91:2 & 4)

4.) I will not fear when my heart becomes overwhelmed in trying to find the right direction for my life because The Lord is my Shepherd and He will lead me in the paths of righteousness and beside the still waters. (Ps. 23:1-2)

5.) I will not fear when distress and discouragement attacks because Jesus will restore my soul. (Ps. 23:3)

6.) I will not fear when sickness attempts to attach itself to my physical body because the Lord is my healer and by His stripes, I am healed. (I Peter 2:24)

7.) I will not fear when death knocks at my door because I face a win-win situation. The Lord has promised to never leave me or forsake me in this life on Earth. And if I should die, I know that He will escort me to Heaven, for I have this confidence that when I am absent from my body, I will be present with Lord. (II Cor. 5:8)

8.) Finally, as the psalmist said, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?" +++

A Word In Due Season
5th Week of March 2012

03/26/12
TALENTS

Scripture: Matthew 25:15 "He gave to every man according to his own personal ability."

Matthew tells the story of a man who divided several talents between his servants. The servant who received five talents and the servant who received two talents put them to work and doubled them. But the servant who had received only one talent was fearful and hid his talent in the ground. He didn't have enough faith to put his talent to work even though he knew that his master was able to reap and gather where he had not sown. When the master returned and found that the servant had done nothing with the talent that had been entrusted to him, he took back the servant's talent and gave it to those who had been faithful, diligent, and productive in their efforts.

This story shows us four things. First, God never asks you to do anything that He has not given you the ability to do. He disburses talents according to the ability that is within you. He gives you personal assets and with every gift or endowment, God provides you with the wisdom to know what to do with your gift. Second, if you do what you can to use what you've been given, God will increase it and will also give you a promotion. Third, limited ability does not negate responsibility. God doesn't expect less effort from you because you have little, for any amount can be increased. And finally, God requires faithfulness in spite of the fear that may challenge you. He wants you to step out in faith even when you are afraid.

How many battles would have been won if no one was willing to fight because of the fear that was raging in their hearts? Fear comes to all of us, but it is just an emotion. Faith can dispel fear just as light dispels darkness, but faith must be acted upon. Faith is substance and evidence (Hebrews 11:1). Like playing a game of baseball, you have to be willing to strike out if you want to hit a home run. Only when you swing the bat will you make contact with the ball and be able to experience a hit. It is impossible to dream the hit into existence. You must take action, for faith without works is dead.

So it is with your talents and investments. You can dream all you want, but if you're not using your talents or assets, they will not be productive, nor will they multiply. God doesn't stand by to increase your ability or cause you to reap when you have been idle or too fearful to sow. He responds and multiplies your gifts because of your effort and your faith. He makes good investments and expects good returns. He gives you a gift and a dream and it pleases Him when you are able to give it back to Him with return. Then, when He sees your faithfulness and your ability, He will give you more and enlarge your borders. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/27/12
FAITH TO GET UP AGAIN

Scripture: Proverbs 24:16 "A righteous man falls seven times and rises again ..."

Have you ever looked at your life or your current situation and felt like things weren't turning out like you planned? Your hopes and dreams were falling apart, and on top of all that, you were not getting any younger. Comparable to taking the wrong exit off the freeway, you made one bad choice, and before you knew it you were going down the wrong road and had no way to turn back. Situations then forced you to make other bad turns. Finally, things got to the point that you didn't even know where you were, much less how to get back to the main road.

God never promised you that you wouldn't make mistakes or face disappointing circumstances but He did promise that He would be there to comfort you and deliver you out of all of your afflictions (Psalms 34:19). If you give God all the pieces, He will take your fragmented life and put it back together again for His glory. He says that you will not be overthrown by calamity if you are in right standing with Him. But you are the one who has to make the effort to rise up from the fall. The Message Bible says, "The righteous man is not down long."

Consider your response to your child when he was learning to walk. You counted those first few unsteady steps as a magnificent feat even though your child fell down after his effort. You never told your friends about your child's fall or failure, but bragged about the fact that he had walked even though it was just a step or two. Each time that he tried again and failed, it was a grand victory because you knew that sooner or later your child would get it together and walk perfectly. You encouraged him to try again because you didn't want him to give up and have to be carried around for the rest of his life.

God is your heavenly Father and holds this same view. He created you and knows that you are only common flesh and bone and that you are going to fall as you make an effort to walk through life. In fact, He said the righteous man will fall and may even fall seven times, Yet God doesn't want you to fear, get discouraged, or be overcome with your failures. No matter how many times you trip and fall, your Heavenly Father wants you to rise up and try again. Psalms 37:23-24 says, "God delights in our way and He busies Himself with our every step." When you fall, God will always be there to help you get up. Falling is not a failure ... failure is refusing to get up and try again. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/28/12
OUR WORDS

Scripture: Luke 6:45 "For out of the abundance or overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Luke uses the illustration of a tree to explain that good trees produce good fruit and evil trees produce evil fruit. He then compares this concept to men who have the capacity to either produce good or evil conversation depending upon what is in their heart. In Psalm 19:14 David said, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable." The words of our mouth proceed from the meditations that are in our heart so we must "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows life" (Proverbs 4:23).

In 'God's Little Devotional Book', it says, "Language is the expression of thought. Every time you speak, your mind is on parade." How true these words are, for once our words are spoken, they are out there for the whole world to hear, whether they are good or whether they are bad. We are then judged by our words and either accepted or rejected because of them. Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, "There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak." It is said that sometimes it's better to keep our mouth shut and let everyone think we are stupid than to openly speak out and remove all of their doubts. James 1:19 declares, "Be swift to hear, and slow to speak."

Our words should always render grace and be a word in due season to the world and to the body of Christ. We must understand that words are full of power, and they are able to produce life or death (Proverbs 18:21). Therefore, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6). In other words, endeavor to have your heart so filled with God's Word and His wisdom that when you speak, you are His voice and your words are like God's grace on parade. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/29/12
PRAYING ALWAYS

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit ..."

The Apostle Paul instructed the believers to put on the whole armor of God and stand against the strategies of the devil. When he finished listing the various pieces of the spiritual armor, he then exhorted the believer to pray with all manner of prayer. The various pieces of spiritual armor are essential but prayer itself is a powerful secret weapon that is always available to the believer. Prayer is communion with God and it ushers in the anointing of His Spirit, produces revelation of God's Word, keeps you in tune with God's will, brings protection, and helps you to make right decisions.

Paul instructed us to pray with all manner of prayer. There are different prayers for the different situations in your life. The prayer of faith will heal sick bodies, move the mountains of adversity in your life, and calm the raging storms. Prayers of deliverance will set you free from your addictions and bondage. Prayers of confession will open the way for the forgiveness of your sins. Prayers of dedication and consecration will define your total submission to God's will as you pray as Jesus prayed, "Not My will, but Thine be done." There are prayers of thanksgiving, worship, and praise that give honor to the Lord for Who He is and for the things that He has done. There are prayers that are prayed in agreement with other believers and also prayers that are prayed in intercession for other believers. There are also prayers that are prayed in the Spirit that will build you up in your faith. There are silent prayers and there are loud prayers. There are short prayers and there are long prayers.

It is said that if you have no prayer in your life, you will have no power. If you have little prayer in your life, you will have little power. And if you have much prayer in your life, you will have much power. That is the reason Paul said, "Pray always." We are to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17) and pray everywhere (I Timothy 2:8). We are to always pray and not faint (Luke18:1), continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12). Prayer is simple but it makes a mighty statement. It demonstrates your dependence upon God and your trust in Him. Prayer is a powerful energy because it moves the heart of God. Begin today to use this mighty secret weapon that God has given to you and pray with all manner of prayer for every need of your life. +++

Copyright © 2012 Mary Padgett Ministries. All Rights Reserved
www.widsonline.com
=================================================================================
03/29/12
BEAUTY FOR ASHES

Scripture: Isaiah 61:3 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes."
Jesus emptied Himself of His royalty and left His throne in Heaven so that He could come to this Earth to minister to the needs of people and eventually die for them. This was His heartbeat and strongest desire. When He came, He preached good tiding to the meek and He set the captives free. He went about doing good to all people, whether rich or poor. He healed the sick, raised the dead, restored sight to the blind, caused the lame to walk, and did many other mighty miracles. When Jesus went back to His throne in Heaven, He asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit to continue and maintain His work. His Spirit still works in the Earth today, restoring beauty for the ashes of our lives.

I went through a very solitary and dreadful season in my life many years ago because of bad decisions on my part. It was a short season, but it seemed like a life time and I thought that it would never end. I felt like all was lost and I could see no way out of my dilemma, but God, in His mercy, rescued me. While I was in this lonely place of despair and discouragement, I learned something about ashes. The place where I was living had the most healthy and radiant roses and their fragrance was indescribable. I wondered how this could be because they were never cared for in any special manner. Later that winter I discovered the secret to their beauty and success. The ashes from the fire place were placed upon the roses throughout their dormant season of winter. God spoke hope into my heart through the roses and let me know that He could take the ashes of any experience and use them to create something beautiful in our lives.

Jesus sees your hopes that have been burned up in the fires of life and your colorful dreams that have turned to gray ashes. He knows your pain even better than you do. He sees the spirit of sorrow and mourning that is holding you in bondage and knows the heartache and heaviness that has stripped your spirit of its life. He sees the hopelessness of your situation. He also sees your body that has been ravaged by sickness and disease. The Lord understands your despair and discouragement. He searches out every matter and leaves no stone unturned in your life. Whatever He sees, He is faithful to take care of.

Jesus speaks good tidings to you that will set you free and restore all that the devil has taken from you, whether it be financial, spiritual, or in your relationships. He is able to exchange every ugly thing from your past and make it into something good. He will do a supernatural work that cannot be explained. He applies the oil of His joy to your heart so that you can be healed and your soul can be fully restored. He also gives you a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness because He loves you and wants you to be blessed beyond measure. He left you with His Word so that He could build faith in your heart and turn your life around. Your miracle is waiting for you but you must reach out and receive it by faith. You can be sure that when you offer the Lord Jesus the ashes of your life, He will be faithful to give you something beautiful in exchange. +++