Quote Archives January 2009

April 29, 2010

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV

God's word is full of instructions and promises. How much more fulfilling would our lives be if we truly allowed love and faithfulness to be ruling emotions and thoughts in all we did. When we truly hide God's word in our heart and seek to live it out in our daily lives, we will soon find that the truth and power of his word will transform us in ways we never thought possible. But God does not stop here at just a feeling or action, he concludes it with a promise - to have favor with God and man. Oh that we would our lives in such a way as to be in the midst of God's favor!

Kim Morgan

April 28, 2010

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 NIV

I recently saw a video that showed young girls being rescued from an underground holding cell. They had been taken captive and were being held there by their captor. As they climbed out one-by-one into the light and freedom, I could not help but think of how Jesus Christ rescued me from a dark pit where I was held captive by the enemy. He extended his nail pierced hand to me so that I might grab hold. He then pulled me up out of the pit and into the light. I will never fully grasp this side of heaven the power and magnitude of what Jesus did for me.

Kim Morgan

April 27, 2010

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 2 Timothy 4:6 NIV

Paul is at the end of his life. He knows that he is about to die soon. But in his last days, Paul does not quit. He did not retire from serving his God. Paul had fought hard and lived hard for 30 years of service to the Lord. As the Scriptures share glimpses of Paul's life with us, we cannot help but to be encouraged in our own walk of faith. The Lord was clearly always with Paul in the good, the bad and the extremely difficult times. Paul knew who he served and who he worshiped and who he could depend upon. His relationship with Christ was deep and rich. Paul used his own experiences to encourage the younger followers on their own walks. Our experiences with the Lord are not to be tucked away in some pretty bible on the coffee table. Rather, we need to allow God to use our experiences, our very lives and all that He has done for us to be poured out like a drink offering.

Kim Morgan

April 23, 2010

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV

We live in a world that is fast paced and constantly changing. It seems as if the latest and greatest today is quickly outdated by tomorrow. Circumstances can change overnight and lives change in an instant. Some changes are for the better - others are not. It is easy to get caught up and overwhelmed by life if we only look to the physical. Christ calls us to seek Him each day and in every situation. He does not change. No matter what happens today or what happened yesterday - Jesus Christ remains exactly the same. His existence and power are not conditioned by the current world events or by man's actions. The Christ that is recorded in the Bible is the same Christ that sits at the right hand of God Almighty and the same Christ who will one day return for his children.

Kim Morgan

April 22, 2010

The LORD was very angry with your forefathers. Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 1:2-3 NIV

The grace of God is readily available to all people. But too often we find ourselves looking back at our own sins or at the sins of others that have effected us and we stop short of receiving the full, redemptive grace of God. Forgiveness is just the beginning. The LORD Almighty has invited us - a personal invitation if you will - to return to him. He calls us out of past cycles of sin or pits of oppression. The LORD is a jealous God and His anger is right and just. It is our choice to remain in the path of divine wrath or to seek after His Divine Grace. The LORD Almighty calls us to return to Him. He is waiting with an extended hand.

Kim Morgan

April 21, 2010

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

Have you ever seen a broken off branch on the ground that was healthy and full of fresh fruit and life? If you did, it wasn't for long. Just like a branch cannot live apart from the vine, we will not bear good fruit in a life separated from Christ. Think about how a branch and a vine come together. Although you can see where the branches extend, it is clear that they are one. We are to be an extension of our Maker and our Savior. Our branch is to look like the vine it is connected to, because it is from there that it gets is sustenance and identity. So what does your branch look like?

Kim Morgan

April 20, 2010

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Psalm 66:18-19 NIV

You know the saying about talking out both sides of your mouth - that is what we are doing when we go before the Lord in prayer asking him for answers, direction or blessing and at the same time holding on to sin in our life. Often we may find ourselves wanting to follow God, seek His face and all the while continuing in areas of sin that we have been convicted of. There is not room in our hearts to cherish sin. God wants our whole heart and he deserves nothing less.

Kim Morgan

April 19, 2010

But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to and his descendants will inherit it. Number 14:24 NIV

How many of us have missed inheriting a blessing from the Lord because we had a critical spirit or joined in with others who were complaining? The Lord looks for those who have a different spirit. He looks for faithfulness to Him and for people who are willing to not just jump in with the popular opinion of everyone around them. It can be difficult. I think all of us have been around people who complained a lot. We can choose to either join in or remember that God has promised something better. He is our Provider, our Protector, our Restorer and our Redeemer. If we truly focused on all that God is and has done for us, we wouldn't have anything to complain about.

Kim Morgan

April 16, 2010

Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyardand said: "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kindgdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you." 2 Chronicles 20:5-6 NIV

What if we approached the Lord in prayer with those words every time we felt afraid or uncertain? All throughout Scripture God has been responsive to the prayers of His people. Sometimes in the heat of the battle, we forget the history of God and who He truly is. The New Testament reminds us repeatedly to pray without ceasing, to pray continually, and to pray with boldness and persistence. God Himself invites us to join in prayer so that He might respond and address our needs and concerns. Remain humble, but be bold and confident that God is in heaven, that power and might are in His hand and that no one can withstand him.

Kim Morgan

April 15, 2010

But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Nehemiah 4:9 NIV

Prayer is such a vital and important part of any believer's life. It is one of the weapons that God has given us to use against the enemy. But like with anything else, we need to not only believe, we need to act. We need to stay alert to what is going on around us. We need to make choices that won't allow satan to get a foothold in our life. God will do his part in protecting us as we pray to him for help and direction. We, too, need to do our part to guard all the areas of our life from any plans of the enemy. The victory is God's.

Kim Morgan

April 14, 2010

That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 NIV

From the moment we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior all the sins from the past are gone - washed away to the bottom of the ocean floor. If you sin after salvation (and we all do) forgiveness is one breath away as we confess our sins to Christ. He wants us to be reconciled to him and to be his ambassadors to the lost telling them about this great gift. It is a privilege to speak about the forgiveness we have received and the hope of eternal life. If someone gave you a million dollars that you hadn't earned, you would tell everyone within earshot for years to come. God has given us something with far more value that will last for eternity - salvation through his son, Jesus Christ. Tell someone.

Kim Morgan

April 13, 2010

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9 about generous giving resulting in generous praise. God has promised that as we give generously to God's people, He will supply all that we need. When we give, the seeds that are planted extend far beyond the initial gift. The praise that follows plants seeds in others. We need to always remember to praise God for what He has already done and pray for what is to come as we depend on Him for our future needs.

Kim Morgan

April 12, 2010

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 NIV

Sometimes we just need to know that there is someone who is greater than anything we face. We need to know that God will take care of us and that he will protect us. Life can be full of twists and turns and unexpected trials and storms. But there is One who remains constant and He wants us to place our faith and hope in Him and Him alone. Trust Him. He can and will be your Deliverer.

Kim Morgan

April 8, 2010

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me". Luke 9:23 NIV

My husband regularly speaks about how we need to be reminded that denying ourselves and taking up our cross is a daily activity. Being totally crucified and surrendered to Christ and following him is an on-going process and will be until the day we die. Satan tempts us daily to just give in to our flesh. The world certainly flashes a multitude of temptations in front us, not to mention our own selfish desires that are already at work. If we don't make an intentional effort and practice of denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily, we may soon find that we are growing away from the Lord and not closer to him. Living out the Christian life requires us to actively engage in our faith and not just sit on the sidelines.

Kim Morgan

April 6, 2010

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1 NIV

Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior - you are free. Free from the past. Free from the burdens of past sin. Free from the entanglements of the enemy. But what you do with your freedom is up to you. Many Christians continue to live their lives as though they have not been set free. They find themselves wrapped up by chains that aren't even attached to them. The enemy lies to us to try and get us to believe that we cannot, or don't deserve to, walk in the freedom that Christ died for. If someone was physically holding you captive and another person came along and paid for your freedom - would you continue to live as a slave or would you choose to walk out the door and enjoy your new found freedom?

Kim Morgan

April 5, 2010

So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." Isaiah 28:16 NIV

The LORD is to be the cornerstone of our lives and our homes. When we build our lives around our own accomplishments or things we have acquired, we will soon find that the foundation is shakey and not too deep. Too often people put all their trust and hope in things of this world that are temporary and have great potential to fail us. The LORD has been tested and has never failed. Look around you at all the things the world puts its hope in - just how secure are those things?

Kim Morgan

April 1, 2010

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

Humans in and of themselves are weak, frail, and sometimes easily broken. It is there that we often stop and believe that we are unable to do anything for the Lord or be a strong witness for him. Paul knew that it was in his weakness that Christ showed up the strongest. We are filled with the invaluable treasure and power from God that is the gospel. If we were strong in and of ourselves and didn't need God, well we would just be full of ourselves. The insufficiency of humans allows God's total sufficiency in our lives to show all the more.

Kim Morgan

March 30, 2010

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV

As believers in Christ we have received the gift of salvation. Our hope is in the Lord and with our lips and our lives we profess this. But there is more to the Christian life than just receiving salvation. The Bible is full of promises for God's children. Jesus told us that we would have suffering and trials, but he has also given us hope in His Word and in Him. In the uncertain or difficult times, cling to Christ. People and this world will fail you from time to time, but it is our faith in Christ, the only one incapabale of failing us, that will see us through.

Kim Morgan

March 29, 2010

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 NIV

When you go to God in prayer, do you believe that He can truly do so much more than all you could ever ask or imagine? Or do you go to God in prayer hoping that He might just come through for you if the circumstances are just right? I am ashamed to say how often I have looked only at the circumstances around me and haven't fully looked to God for Him to do a mighty work. God is able - more able than we will ever comprehend - to accomplish all that we need in life. Don't allow your circumstances to limit your faith in what God can do.

Kim Morgan

March 25, 2010

There in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7 NIV

Do you regularly take time to consider all the blessings God has given you? Do you spend time rejoicing and praising God for His goodness? God tells us we are not to be lazy and he also tells us to rejoice when we work hard and see the results of our labor. Whether we are rejoicing from the hard work of the day or for the food on the table, we are to give God praise. Do not let an attitude of complaining and ungratefulness become a way of life for you. I truly believe the more time we spend praising God, the more peace we will have and the more we will see His goodness and work around us.

Kim Morgan

March 24, 2010

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV

The Bible is the true and perfect Word of God. Full of truth, power and encouragement. Take a look at the heroes of the faith. They endured many trials, were far from perfect and made mistakes, but God still used them for His glory and purpose. Throughout the Word, God shows us His love, His power and His faithfulness. God reveals His Son, the plan of salvation and the promises that are to come. The Scriptures give us hope. The Old Testament and the New Testament were written for us to read and study that we might have the hope and encouragement we need, even in this day and age.

Kim Morgan

March22, 2010

They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagarites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers because they trusted in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20 NIV

There is no question that as followers of Christ we will face many battles in this life. God never called us to fight them alone or on our own. He does not say "get in there and fight it with all you got while I watch". On the contrary, God encourages us to cry out to him and seek his help in every situation. He also asks one more thing of us - trust Him. When he comes to rescue you and fight for you, you must let him. Keep crying out to Him in prayer, but trust that all the while He is fighting on your behalf. You keep kneeling down in prayer and watch as the righteous right arm of God stretches forth in the battle.

Kim Morgan

March 19, 2010

But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. "O LORD," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?" Exodus 32:11

Moses had faithfully led the Israelites out of Egypt as God had asked. Moses watched the people live in the midst of miracles and then heard them complain the moment they were hungry. Moses brought them instruction from the Lord about the building of the tabernacle and the people willingly brought goods and supplies to do as God asked. The next thing you know they are building a golden calf. God is angry and Moses is probably tired and had enough. But Moses goes before the Lord in prayer to intercede on their behalf. It would have been easier to wash his hands of them and spend more time alone with the LORD himself. But Moses prayed. He didn't give up on the people of God and neither should we. Keep praying for God's people and for the lost. There are victories to be won and glory to see.

Kim Morgan

March 18, 2010

'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Acts 17:28 NIV

Our identity is in Christ. No matter who your earthly parents are or what your last name is, you are the offspring of Christ if you have accepted Him as your Savior. Do we act like children of the Lord Most High? Do you think of Jesus as someone who only sits at the right hand of God somewhere in the heavens? My friend, He dwells IN you. Live your life in such a way that others will know whose offspring you are.

Kim Morgan

March 17, 2010

"My food", said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34 NIV

We often hear people say they just want to know God's will for their life or that they are waiting for God to reveal His will for them. Jesus knew the ultimate reason he was here on this earth, but he also understood that he was to join the Father in His work here. We need to seek God's direction daily. What does He desire for us to do today? God's will for us isn't always to do something big and spectacular. Look around you. Where is God working? Join Him that you might finish the work He has begun.

Kim Morgan

March 16, 2010

With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Daniel 11:32 NIV

Some say that flattery will get you nowhere. The truth is that flattery often takes us places we wish we hadn't gone. The enemy loves to flatter our egos and make us think more highly of ourselves than we should. The higher we think on ourselves, the farther the fall when the truth knocks the false pedestal out from under us. Flattery can be nothing more than hot-air that causes a false sense of security and worth to rise up. Our identity and value is in Christ and in Christ alone. The more we know God and what he has to say about who we are the more we are able to resist the lies of the enemy. Staying close to God allows us to keep our feet firmly grounded and gives us strength to firmly resist the enemy.

Kim Morgan

March 12, 2010

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh. Philippians 3:3 NIV

Do you find your faith walk limited by only going after those things which you know you can do in the flesh? It is easy to say that we have faith, but sometimes we will only allow God to work in our lives within the limits we can control. Without Christ we can do nothing. We will either boast in our own accomplishments or we will give glory to God for what He has done. To know and experience the glory of God we have to relinquish our selfish desires and limitations and trust God to work in us and through us to accomplish His purposes.

Kim Morgan

March 9, 2010

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:9-11 NIV

God still calls us to rest and to set aside our work to rest. Living in a culture where more and more and more is expected and working harder seems the only way to make it, resting seems rather contrary to what would be right. But God's way always tend to contradict our first inclinations of how to do things. If we truly seek out the Word of God and learn and apply the promises of His Word we would find resting a whole lot easier. When we get caught up in how we will get something done or how we will fix that problem or how we will provide, etc.- things get all twisted around. Don't mistake laziness for resting, but don't miss out on the rest. God is very clear in the Old and New Testament that we are to rest. Don't miss it.

Kim Morgan

March 8, 2010

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul Acts 19:11 NIV

We live in a culture where sensationalism is everywhere. It seems as though everything is competing for our attention and our awestruck wonder. Sadly, this has crept into our spiritual lives and the Christian culture as well. I am a firm believer in miracles and that God still performs signs and wonders today. When God allows humans to be a part of that process, it can be too easy to elevate them to the place of a god. It can be equally easy for that person to elevate themselves to the place of a god. The One True God does call us to be a part of what He is doing. It is a privilege and it is only through the power of Him that the extraordinary miracles occur. We would be wise to remember Luke's words in the book of Acts - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul" (emphasis mine).

Kim Morgan

March 5, 2010

for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 NIV

God has a unique calling on each person's life. With each calling there are special privileges and responsibilities. When we look simply at the end result of what we believe God's calling is and we don't look at the process in getting there, we may very well miss the greatest part. It is in the process of being transformed and molded and tried that we come to know God at the deepest level. The trials and testings are part of the calling. You cannot separate the end result and desire from the process and the journey. They are inseparable. When God places a call on someone's life, He does not change his mind and take it back. It is up to us to follow God's leading and be obedient and submissive to him. If we feel as though God has revoked his calling on our life, then perhaps we have strayed far enough off the path to not hear or see where God is leading.

Kim Morgan

March 4, 2010

In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo: Zechariah 1:1 NIV

Time and dates and places are important to the Lord. Repeatedly throughout the Scriptures, we are reminded of dates and specific details that we too easily overlook in our haste to get to the "real" meaning of the Scripture. A closer look at Zechariah 1:1 reveals something wonderful in the 3 names included therein.

Zechariah - "God remembers"

Berekiah - "God blesses"

Iddo - "At the appointed time"

May our hearts and minds be ever mindful that God remembers us and will bless us at the appointed time.

Kim Morgan

March 3, 2010

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12

Throughout the Scriptures we are reminded that the Christian life is a journey. It can be a difficult or a long journey. Sometimes we just aren't sure we are making any progress at all and can feel discouraged. As we press on toward the high calling of Christ Jesus in our lives and run the race set out before us, we would be wise to set some stones up as reminders of how far we have come. We may not be where we want to be in our Christian walk and the further we go we will most likely find that we are never quite where we want to be this side of heaven. But God encourages us to remember just how far He has brought us. If you think you aren't making any progress, remember where God found you or brought you from. Remember what you once were before you committed your life to Jesus Christ. Start there if you must, but start today remembering how far the LORD has brought you and how the LORD has helped you. And when you set up your 'stone' of remembrance - thank Him for all He has done.

Kim Morgan

March 1, 2010

For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

Communication can be the breakdown in many marriages and relationships. Failure to communicate our true feelings or boundaries can cause fights, hurt and even division. The Bible tells us that we are to communicate in love. It does not tell us not to communicate. Our spouse, our children, our co-workers and our friends are not able to read our minds. To have healthy relationships, we need to have healthy communication. Learning to communicate how you feel takes time and effort. It is also takes time and effort to argue when we have failed to communicate. Only God knows your thoughts, but we still need to communicate with him and everyone else.

Kim Morgan

February 24, 2010

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1 NIV

As you read these words from Psalm 23:1 take a moment and read them out loud, slowly. Allow the words to settle in your heart and mind and then throughout the entire day, repeat them regularly. The media and our culture can tend to throw us into states of panic, worry and anxiety over gas prices, economy, health issues and more. Ask God to let his peace settle within you and on you as you continually meditate on this verse. The LORD is your shepherd, not a political party or political leader, nor a boss or particular company. Trust Him in this.

Kim Morgan

February 23, 2010

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came was a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. John 1:6-7 NIV

There came a man/woman who was sent from God and their name was ________. Go ahead put your name in that blank. Have you ever thought that God has sent you to be a witness for him? We don't have to go half-way around the world to be a missionary. When you go to work every day or run to the store or are running errands, God sends you out to be a light and witness for him. God also sends people to you that he needs and wants you to witness to.

John the Baptist wasn't necessarily eloquent or pleasing to look at. He was an outcast in many ways, but He was God's chosen witness to tell about Jesus Christ. God will use us just as we are. Who is God sending you to today?

Kim Morgan

February 22, 2010

But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 2 Chronicles 6:18 NIV

Getting caught up in ourselves and becoming self-centered is exactly where satan would love to lure us and keep us. Life can be difficult. But sometimes it is even in the good times that we find our thoughts to be all about us. Each day we need to take time to shift the focus off of ourselves and directly to God through worship. Whether you spend time worshipping in prayer, song, or words of praise - each day should involve time that where we intentionally place our focus on God and who He is and take it off of us.

Kim Morgan

February 19, 2010

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 NIV

It is easy to praise God when things are going good. When his blessings appear abundant and life is smooth, we say "God is good". But if we truly know Him, we will say "God is good" in the difficult seasons of our life. God does not change. He is always good. It is so important that we live a life that offers thanks to God on a continual basis. Worrying and complaining have no useful outcome. If we follow that path of thinking, we will only become frustrated. As we keep our eyes and thoughts stayed on Him, we will find that our thinking will stay more in line with God's grace and power to overcome whatever we are going through.

Kim Morgan

February 18, 2010

And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

Did you catch that? "With ever-increasing glory". The Christian life is one that is a continual transforming process. After we accept Christ as our Savior, the rest of our lives is a journey and process where we are to seek more and more of the Lord. The more we seek Him and study the Word, the more we will reflect the Lord's goodness and his image. If you think that you aren't making any progress, take a quick look back and see where you have come from. And then look forward to see where Christ is leading. Remember it is "with ever-increasing" glory, not instant, that we are transformed.

Kim Morgan

February 16, 2010

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV

Have you ever felt God calling you to do something for Him? You just kept getting this tugging in your heart that you should step up and teach a Sunday School class or start a bible study in your home. Maybe God keeps laying it on your heart to use your talents on the worship team? Or possibly God is asking you to speak to your neighbor about Christ or to head to the other side of the world for Him. God will equip you as you step out in faith to do what he has prepared you for. It isn't about being the smartest, the richest or the most educated. God is looking for the weak and the lowly to do his work so that all boasting may be in Him and Him alone.

Kim Morgan

February 15, 2010

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV

Knowledge of the Bible goes far beyond facts and a history lesson. Knowledge that comes from God about His Word causes us to practice and live out a life worthy of the calling he has placed on each of us. When we are filled with the knowledge of God's will, our lives and conduct will come in line with what God intends for us. Being filled with the knowledge of God allows us to continue in the transformation process of becoming more like Christ. With increased knowledge of the Word, we will know more about what is important to God and our thinking and desires will be more in line with His.

Kim Morgan

February 12, 2010

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:14 NIV

Christ died to set us free and yet we so often find ourselves still enslaved to sin after we receive Him as our Savior. Sometimes Christians can be the worst about setting up 'rules' for people about what proper Christian behavior is and isn't. Paul tells us that we are no longer under the law, but that we now live under grace. It does not mean that we should keep on sinning. It does mean that God has given us the power and ability to live outside of the slavery of sin. God has enabled you to live a life where sin will not be master over you. Seek Christ. Seek what the Word says and follow hard after it. Christ's death was not in vain. He wants you to be free from sin - both past and present.

Kim Morgan

February 11, 2010

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony. "He told me everything I ever did." John 3:39 NIV

Our testimony can carry great power in changing people's lives and drawing them to Christ when we give God the glory for what has happened. The woman at the well had a reputation in town and was an outcast among the people. Christ came to her, met her where she was and she believed. Her life was forever changed. She didn't wait to tell people. She immediately ran to tell others and when she did many unbelieving Samaritans came to faith. It wasn't the woman's status, or job or education that caused the people to believe. It was her genuine faith, her vulnerability and the power of Christ in her that drew the people to Jesus. Jesus can use us, he can use you, if only we will allow him.

Kim Morgan

February 9, 2010

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 NIV

Our relationship with Christ is an on-going and active one. We don't simply accept him as our Savior and then nothing more is required. No. The life of a Christian is to be ever-changing so that we might become more and more like Christ. This will take effort and discipline. Part of the growing process is to study the Word. Regularly reading the Scriptures is very important, but we must also study them. Dig in a bit and find out the meanings of the words, memorize the word, seek out other sound references. You might just be surprised at how much there is to learn and what a joy it is!

Kim Morgan

February 5, 2010

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Isaiah 59:1 NIV

God's mighty and powerful arm can reach down from the heavens and save us from whatever stronghold is wrapped around us. God's power extends to us to defeat the enemy who comes against us. He hears us when we cry out to him and He will respond. If you ever think that God is not powerful enough or concerned enough about you to rescue you from the enemy's plans - think again. The same power that raised Christ from the dead and conquered the grave is the same power that rescues us today.

Kim Morgan

February 2, 2010

. . . But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it. Isaiah 44:15b NIV

Most of us would never think of creating a wooden or iron god and bowing down to it and offering sacrifices to it. We couldn't imagine placing our hope in some inanimate, lifeless object. The truth is many of bow down to far lesser things every day. Idols can be those things around us, other than God, that motivate us, control us and take our time and energy. The things we long for in our heart that are greater than our longing for God can be idols. It is easy to look back and wonder how people could have ever thought they would be blessed by a wooden statue. Where are you putting your trust and affection?

Kim Morgan

January 28, 2010

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today". . . Exodus 14:13 NIV

Life is full of battles and victories. It is full of trials and blessings. The Christian life is anything but boring. God has called us, trained us and equipped us to march boldly in faith, to stand firm and to be prepared with the armor of God. He calls us to be active participants in the battle or to stand courageously and wait for him. Whatever we do and however long it may take, ultimately the victory is won only by God. He wants to know we are faithful in the midst and willing to do whatever it takes, but His power and His mighty righteous right arm will be what conquers the enemy and declares the victory.

Kim Morgan

January 27, 2010

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 NIV

Spending time with Jesus changes who we are and how others view us. All the teachings and knowledge offered in the world cannot compare to a true and authentic relationship with Christ. When Jesus chose his disciples, he did not go out and pick the most educated or the wealthiest. Instead, he chose the 'unschooled, ordinary' men to follow him. The ordinary were proof of Christ's extraordinary power and glory when it worked through them.

Kim Morgan

January 26, 2010

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 NIV

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are his adopted child. God is your Father. We live in a world where broken relationships and broken homes are common. As the adopted child of God, you receive all the rights and privileges that come with a relationship with God Almighty. It is not to be a distant, unexpressive relationship, but rather a close, intimate relationship between you and God. If you have never thought of Him as your Father, I encourage you today to cry out to Him, "Abba" and allow your heart to draw close to his.

Kim Morgan

January 23, 2010

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

Lots of people have lots to say. People talk about God, they talk about church, they talk about each other and what they should do about church. Lots said - little accomplished in too many instances. I have been there where I spent more time talking about the kingdom of God than I did doing anything meaningful for the kingdom of God. Empty talk gets us nowhere. It is when we submit ourselves to the power of Christ and walk in what he has given us that things will get accomplished for the Kingdom. I want that kind of Christian life - how about you?

Kim Morgan

January 22, 2010

You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." Lamentations 3:57 NIV

We have an ever present help and protector and comforter in our lives. Scripture repeatedly tells us to not fear. But how often do we allow fear to grip us, especially in uncertain times. We are to cry out to God instead of crying out to everyone and everything else around us. We can be aware of our circumstances without drowning in them. Ultimately it is God who saves and protects us and provides for us. How beautiful the words "You came near when I called you". Call upon God today and allow Him to remove your fears, your doubts and your insecurities. His promise and his word never fail, but we must believe and seek Him out.

Kim Morgan

January 21, 2010

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. Ecclesiastes 7:10 NIV

We are wise to remember the faithfulness of God and to look back at the history in the Scriptures. Beyond that God calls us to focus on Today. Too often we relive a past memory or time in our lives that was actually far better or far worse than we actually remember. And we get stuck there comparing everything of today to the past. Sometimes we find ourselves continually longing for 'tomorrow' or some better time in the future. God has given each of us Today. Remember the works and words of God in the past, His promises for the future and then focus on applying His Word to Today.

Kim Morgan

January 20, 2010

For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers. 1 Peter 1:18 NIV

Our families pass an inheritance and way of life on to generation after generation. In our culture that way of life often is about working hard to accumulate more and work your way up the corporate ladder. We amass bigger houses, bigger bank accounts and more stuff. The price we pay for this is often more than just financial. We find ourselves placing our value and our identity in material possessions and a job title. All the world has to offer is perishable.

What is the inheritance and way of life that Christ has handed down to us? He tells us to give to the poor, to share with our neighbor, to lend to others without expectations. To move up in God's economy, we have to move down first.

Kim Morgan

January 19, 2010

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 NIV

Make no mistake - salvation is a free gift from God through his Son Jesus Christ that cannot be earned or bought. However, salvation does not end there. A life lived to the fullest requires work. We are called to grow spiritually, to make sacrifices, to perservere in the difficult times. We should be involved in such a way that we are continually growing, seeking the things and ways of God, and maturing in our faith. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Actively pursuing and living out a life of faith is part of working out our salvation.

Kim Morgan

January 15, 2010

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it. John 18:1 NIV