Friday, May 29, 2009

"Grave Clothes"

"And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go." John 11:44

Lazarus was dead- no doubt about it, he had been dead for four days. When Jesus went to his tomb, He called Lazarus back to life. Lazarus came out of the tomb wrapped in grave clothes.

Let me point out a couple of things here. 1) This man who was dead came alive. Jesus put life back in him. He was no longer dead. 2) Lazarus came out of the tomb on his own, no one had to go in there and get him. He came out under his own power and strength. 3) He was still in grave clothes.

We were like Lazarus- dead in trespasses and sins but Jesus "called us forth"- He put "life" in us who were dead. Now, praise be to God, we are no longer dead men. But we are also like Lazarus in points two and three. We are alive but walking around bound up by grave clothes. Lazarus hopped, walked, scooted, some how, made his way out of the tomb, but because of the grave clothes he was limited in his mobility. He could move around to some degree but he did not have full or free range of motion.

So many of God's children have received life- eternal life- we are "walking around" serving God, giving Him praise, living for Him but we are hindered because we still have on some grave clothes- therefore, we are limited, only able to go so far, only able to accomplish a certain amount, unable to do it all.

These grave clothes may be past hurts, bitterness, insecurities stemming from past treatments by others, illness that keeps hanging on, fears, torments in your mind, any number of things. If you are "alive" but still have the grave clothes on- it's time to take them off. Jesus told the people to loose him. I am doing that this morning through this word. Allow God's healing power, His delivering power, His peace to flow into you that will cause those things to come off. Remember this- if Jesus can put life into someone who was dead, the "grave clothes issues" are not too big for Him to handle.

Have a great day. Do you still have on grave clothes? They will always hinder you from having the freedom you need to live an abundant life.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

"How Do You Smell?"

"For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish." 2 Corinthians 2:15

There are odors all around us. Some smell nice and others stink. People have odors. When a man has done physical labor all day in the heat, he has a sweaty odor about him. Babies smell sweet. Some people have the aroma of food on them if they have been cooking. My father in law used to work at a paper mill, that smell became embedded in his skin after a number of years. We are often identified by these odors. I always knew when my aunt walked into the room, even if I didn't see her, because I could smell her perfume.

While there are physical odors that we acquire, there are also spiritual odors. Christians are suppose to have a "smell" about them. God not only hears our prayers, is touched by our infirmities, looks at our lives but He smells us too. When He smells your life, what scent does He detect? What should it be? The fragrance that comes from our lives should be that of Christ. When God smells us, He should be able to smell the same thing He smells in Christ- a sweet smelling savor, the fragrance of an acceptable sacrifice. The Bible says that we are living sacrifices. When a sacrifice is on the altar, there is an odor that rises up from it. As living sacrifices there is an odor that goes up from our lives to God. Is that odor a sweet smelling savor or a stench in His nostrils?

Not only should God be able to smell Christ in our lives, but everyone else should be able to also. Do they? What do they smell? Your life either has a sweet aroma about it or it stinks. Have you heard the phrase- "I can smell myself"? When I do a lot of physical work outdoors, I can detect an odor on me that is not very pleasant. When I put on perfume, I can smell myself- I smell nice. We should be able to detect what type of odor we are emitting-- even spiritually.

Take time daily to see what you smell like- what you smell like to God and to others. Do you smell nice or do you stink? Is the fragrance that God smells one that smells like His dear Son or does it smell like flesh? Do others smell Jesus on you? Are they able to detect the difference or does your life smell the same as the world?

Have a great day. What do you smell like?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"Redefining The Law"

"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9

I have pretty much stopped watching television and tried to spend that time in reading the Bible and praying so as to prepare myself spiritually for what may lie ahead, to have a greater anointing to do the work the Lord has destined for me to do and to make sure that when the call goes forth,"The Bridegroom cometh", I will not be caught like the five foolish virgins who did not have oil in their lamps. Turning off the television also means I've turned off the news channels. But with all the emails I receive about current events, I am still able to keep up with what is happening in our world.

One of the issues at hand is about the appointment of a new Chief Justice to the Supreme Court. It seems as though there is some controversy surrounding this nomination. I have noticed for quiet some time that our judicial system has gotten away from it's primary function- to uphold the law. Many judges nowadays are sitting on benches rewriting the laws, interpreting them according to their personal beliefs, making decisions based on their own agendas or personal preferences. Their job is to enforce the laws that are already there- not redefine them, not reinterpret them, not change them to suit self, not rule outside of them.

Now to the point of this morning's message. Sadly, I have noticed that too many Christians are doing the same thing when it comes to the laws of God. God gave us His laws to abide by, not change into something that suits us better. When He said, "Thou shall not", He didn't say, "Thou shall not, only if it is convenient". He didn't say,"If you have to break it, I understand and it will be all right.". God's laws are not to be "added to or taken away from". When you make it say what you want it to say, it ceases to be His word, it ceases to be the Truth and you render it powerless in your life. This was the very thing that got mankind into trouble in the beginning. The serpent presented a question concerning the word of God to Eve and Eve misinterpreted it according to the lust of her flesh.

God's word is as He is-- unchanging. You may try to get around it, you may try to reinterpret it, you may try to conform it to your desires, but you will still be judged by it one day and it will not be rewritten. You will stand before it's Author who knows exactly what it says, exactly what it means and who will not change it even for your sake. On that day the Author will also be the Judge, and He will have the final say so in enforcing it- and He will not deviate from it but will enforce it to the full extent of the law.

Have a great day. Our job is not to reinterpret God's laws but to carry them out in obedience.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

"More Than Enough God"

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Almost every morning I awake with a song playing in my heart and mind. This morning was no different. Sometimes I know that the message in that song is what I am suppose to share with you. I thought about that this morning, then I remembered that I have shared this one before so I begin to see what else the Lord would have me say. He impressed me to share it any way. The song is, "More Than Enough". But this morning I want to give you the words to the song.

Jehovah Jireh My ProviderYou are more than enough for me.
Jehovah Raepha You're my healerBy your stripes I've been set free.
Jehovah Shammah You are with meTo Supply All My Needs.
You are more than enoughMore than enoughYou are more than enough for me
In this song some of the names of God are mentioned- God who provides, God who heals, God who is with us. But He is still so much more. You can't put Him in a box and limit Him to one area only. He is the God who supplies all your needs in every area of life- spirit, soul, body; relationships, emotions, finances.

This morning, this limitless God is not just enough, or almost enough, or hopefully enough. He is enough! He is enough and has plenty to spare. Remember how Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish? Everyone was fed, everyone had plenty and there were twelve baskets of leftovers after each one had eaten their fill. That's because He is the God of more than enough- the God who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all you can ask or think.

Have a great day. He is more than enough with plenty to spare.

Monday, May 25, 2009

"Living Memorial"

"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." Exodus 12:14

Today we are celebrating Memorial Day in America. The word memorial is defined: something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc. This day was set aside to remember the sacrifices of those who have served, and are serving, to protect our country in the military arena. I believe it is a good thing to recognize, remember and express gratitude to those who made/make sacrifices for us/me in order that I might enjoy the freedoms that I have. If you are among those who I am talking about this morning--- thank you!

There is a personal memorial that each born again Christian should have set up in their lives. The memorial that I am talking about is not a once a year event or observance, it's not a stone monument, it's not a speech that is made. Of course, the memorial that I am talking about is the one we make to God in recognition of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us in order that we might walk in freedom and have life.

The memorial to Him is not just a verbal recognition that we do in our prayer closet, it's a "monument" that is placed where all can see it. The memorial that I am talking about is the one that is reflected in our lifestyles. Our lives are a living memorial to honor Jesus. If, as the definition says, a memorial is something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc., then that is what we do in word and deed- we preserve the memory of Jesus, the sacrifice He made, who He is and what He has done.

Is your lifestyle preserving His memory? Does your conduct speak of freedom or bondage? Are you living the life of joy, peace, victory that Jesus died for to give you? Are you making Him known by telling others? Do you only honor Him once a year, only on Sundays or daily? Take time today to not only remember what Jesus did for you and thank Him for the sacrifice He made, but also examine yourself and see just how much gratitude you are exhibiting through your lifestyle.

Have a great day. Your life is a living memorial to what Christ has done for you.

Friday, May 22, 2009

"Praise Him"

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1

I don't know what you my be going through today. Everything may be wonderful in your world or it may not be. You may be facing tremendous difficulties, mountain size problems, a deep pit, dark times. If this describes your life the word this morning is directed at you. It is this: Do not withhold your praise from the Lord. Don't let your circumstances stop you from bringing your sacrifice of praise to the Lord.

Praise is powerful. It will bring you out of the pit, it will bring God into the midst of your situation. It will bring victory. It's no wonder that the Lord sent the praisers out first when Israel was facing a battle. There's a lesson that we can learn from that. And not only learn but apply that same strategy that the Lord gave to them.

This morning pick up your praise. Open your mouth. Lift up your hands and your voice and bring to God a sacrifice of praise. He is worthy of it. Don't let the things you are going through steal from Him what He deserves. If you will make the step, even by faith, to give Him what He deserves, He will do something in your midst in return.

Have a great day. DO NOT withhold your praise... He is worthy!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

"Tell It"

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14

The Bible tells us that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. But when Jesus made those statements He never intended for us to do nothing more than just "shine" and be a "silent witness" for Him. So much of the preaching we hear encourages us to- just live it before them, just let your light shine, just let them see Jesus through the things you do. That is not the whole gospel. If that's what we believe "witnessing" for Christ means, then we are not rightly dividing the Word. As one writer puts it, "The only time words are not necessary is when action speaks more loudly and throwing caution to the wind allows faith to become public by action." (Diane Hale)

There has been too much "shining" and not enough "preaching"- perhaps that's why we haven't won our world for Christ. Never are we to neglect to "preach" the word. There is more teaching in the Bible on the subject of opening our mouths and telling them than there is just living it before them. We are told that God uses the "foolishness of preaching" to save the lost. The Great Commission given to us by Jesus Himself tells us to go into all the world and "preach" the gospel. The Holy Spirit was sent to us to give us boldness to witness. How? Verbally. Remember, after the Spirit was poured out in the Upper Room how Peter got up and "preached' salvation.

Jesus sent the disciples out to preach to those who were lost. All the apostles went about preaching Christ and Him crucified. The martyrs in Revelation overcame by the "word" of their testimony. Even the dictionary defines the word witness to mean testify- to declare. No doubt Jesus did tell us to let our lights shine and do good works, but that's not all He told us to do. He went everywhere preaching the Kingdom of heaven and taught His disciples- even present day ones- to do the same. If a verbal witness of the gospel wasn't important, then why has the world always tried to silence Christians?

Have a great day. If you aren't telling it, you aren't testifying. Stop "just" shining and start opening your mouth and telling them about this wonderful Savior.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

"Missing Link"

"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." Romans 1:22

When I went to do a Google search this morning, I saw some sort of picture on the their home page- they do this for different events and holidays. I didn't know what the picture represented so I clicked on it to discover links to articles that announced that the "Missing Link"- the link between mankind and his primate ancestors- had been found.

After seeing this, there is no doubt that I need to address this subject. Let me just go ahead and say up front: There is NO missing link, man did NOT evolve from monkeys, we did NOT begin as primates!!!! In the beginning God created the heavens, the earth, the vegetation, the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, reptiles, amphibians, animals and MAN.

Not only did He create man but He created him in His own image- and God's image is not that of a monkey! (The depth of the ignorance and stupidity of man constantly amazes me.) Why would anyone want to link themselves to monkeys when we are linked to GOD!? (I know the answer, the devil is the author of this ridiculous and blasphemous lie.) It's part of his attack against God and us. His desire is to de-deify God, to take away His glory and to deceive us so as to destroy our souls by keeping us from receiving the truth. If we believe we are created in the image of and from a monkey then there is no fall of man, no sin issue, no need for a savior.

The devil also knows that if we would ever truly get a hold of the truth of who we are, who God created us to be and for what purpose we are here on earth, he wouldn't have a chance. He knows that we have been given power and authority over him. He knows that we have the power to bind his influence, to loose the captives from his grip, to walk in victory over him because of our dear Savior Jesus. So if he can keep us confused about where we came from, he can keep us from operating in the dominion that God has created us to have.

I know that none of you who believe in Jesus and call Him Savior and Lord believe this lie- you know you aren't evolved from a monkey. But don't forget who you are because of Christ. Don't forget that you have been given power over all the powers of the enemy; you have been given dominion and delegated authority in the earth; you are an heir and joint-heir with Christ Jesus; and you are more than conquerors through Christ; you are dearly loved by God; you are the crown of His creation; you were created for good works in Christ; you were created to give Him glory.

Have a great day. We are created in God's image to give Him glory!

Monday, May 18, 2009

"Hearers And Doers"

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7

There is no way that any of us can say that "we didn't know" what the Bible says. We can't say this- in this nation anyway- because we have twenty-four hour preaching on television and radio, churches on every corner, book stores with every translation of the Bible that's been printed, conferences, seminars, revival meetings happening daily. We have the internet with it's recorded sermons on audio and video, devotionals, eBooks- you name it, the gospel is at our fingertips.

So why aren't we living the Word out in our lives? Why do we see less demonstration of the power of God? Why are we not more conformed and being transformed in our conduct to the image of Christ? Why aren't we more fruitful? It's one thing to gain knowledge and it's another thing to apply that knowledge. We hear lots of preaching but do we take it to heart? Do we realize that what we are hearing was meant for application? James told us to be "doers of the word and not hearers only". Jesus said that the truly wise man is the one who does the word when he hears it.

Listening and doing are two different things. Learning and applying are two different things. God intended for us to do both. When we do, it will make a difference in who we are, what we do, how we conduct ourselves, in our attitudes, in the way we view things, in the way we treat people, in every area of our lives. This morning which group are you in-- the group who only hears the word, or the group who hears it and does it?

Have a great day. Keep listening to the word, but do what it says as well.

Friday, May 15, 2009

"He's Still Working"

"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided." Exodus 14:21

There is a song that says, "God is working, He's still working. God is working even now. Though we often don't know just how. God is working, He's still working. God is working even now." God is working on our behalf even in the times when we do not see it. Even when it feels like He isn't. Even when we don't see any evidence that He is. Yet, He is still working.

When the Israelites were coming out of Egypt, the first obstacle they encountered was the Red Sea- pretty big obstacle, don't you think. Their first thoughts were those of fear, doubt and discouragement. What were they to do? Why did God do this to them? Where was He? Moses' reply to their fears was,"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (verse 13) That's our word today too. Don't fear because of your situation. God is still working in the situation. Just because what He is doing may be hid from your sight, doesn't mean He has forgotten about you or the situation. He often works "behind the scene". God sent a strong east wind all "night" to blow back the sea. He worked behind the veil of night's darkness, out of their view, where they could not see what He was doing. But He was still working. He is still working in your situation even though you may not see it, even though you may not understand it, even though it may look otherwise. Just because you can't see it or figure out how and what He is doing doesn't mean that He isn't working.

Have a great day. "Though we often don't know just how. God is working, He's still working. God is working even now."

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"Malnutrition"

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." 2 Timothy 4:3

The word malnutrition is defined as: "lack of proper nutrition; inadequate or unbalanced nutrition." When we think of malnutrition, a vision of those precious little children overseas that are nothing but skin and bones and bloated bellies pops into our minds. But did you know you can be over weight and still be malnourished? The size of your body or the amount of fat it has on it is not necessary an indication that you are receiving the proper nutrients to keep from being malnourished. You've heard the term "wasted calories". Wasted calories are what you get from eating foods that have no nutritional value-- they're called "junk food".

To maintain a healthy body you must give it a well balanced diet of the proper nutrients. It's true of the spirit man as well. There are many Christians who are malnourished because they are lacking proper spiritual nutrition. These are the ones who don't read their Bibles, pray or spend time in praise and worship. They are not receiving spiritual nutrition, therefore, they are not spiritually healthy.

There is another group who are malnourished because they are not getting the proper balance of spiritual nutrients. They look spiritually fat- but remember fat does not always mean well nourished- even spiritually. They are the ones who go from one seminar to another, one conference to another, one meeting to another always looking for something that will make them feel good for the moment. They are "conference junkies". They don't take what they received back with them and apply it to their lives. They don't have any personal devotion time. They don't pray or read the Bible for themselves. Once the meeting is over, they begin to look for another one so they can "fill up". Let me stop for a moment and say this so that you won't misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with going to meetings and conferences, etc., but when that's all your life consist of, then you are not receiving the proper combination of nutrients you need to be spiritually healthy.

My body has to have Vitamin C in order to be healthy, but at the same time I can't live on Vitamin C only, I have to have other vitamins and minerals along with it. To be spiritually healthy you have to have a well balanced spiritual diet that consist of all the spiritual elements.

Have a great day. Are you spiritually healthy or malnourished?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

"Nature And Conduct"

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:14

We are commanded to "depart from evil". So what is "evil", what does it mean? We are also commanded to "do good". So what is "good", what does it mean? When we think about good and evil, we often define them as it relates to conduct- the way someone acts, what is produced. But they are more correctly defined as nature- the nature of something. Conduct is the behavior that is produced as a result of that nature.

For example, Jesus said that a good tree cannot produce evil fruit, and vice versa. Why is that? Because of the nature of the tree. It produces after it's nature. Apple trees produce apples, orange trees produce oranges, poison ivy produces toxic oils.

Before Christ became our Savior and Lord we were an "evil" tree. We produced evil fruit. Why? Because of our sinful nature. We had the same nature of our father the devil- even his name defines his nature: d-evil. (John 8:44) We had an evil nature and behaved in a wicked manner producing evil deeds.

Once we come to Christ we should then begin to produce good fruit because we have become a good tree. When we are born again, our nature changes, we get a new nature-- it's the nature of our Heavenly Father who is all good and all righteous. (John 3:7; 2 Cor. 5:17)

A tree is known by the fruit it produces. Likewise we are known by what we produce. Our conduct is the fruit that reveals what type of tree we are. If you have the nature of Christ in you you should do good because He is good. If you have the nature of the devil/sin in you you will do evil because he is evil. What you do, reveals which you are: a good tree or an evil tree. If you have the nature of Christ, then you should "depart from evil and do good".

Have a great day. If the nature of a person is evil, that person will conduct themselves in an evil manner. If the nature of a person is good because they have Christ's nature in them, that person will conduct themselves in a manner that is good.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

"He Called"

"And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again." 1 Samuel 3:6

This morning the Lord woke me up quiet a bit earlier than usual. I laid there and prayed, and prayed in the Spirit, and offered up praise and did some meditating, but I felt like something was "missing"- I had not touched His "hem", felt the joy of His presence or felt as if I had accomplished anything in prayer. Then it "dawned" on me-- He called me. He woke me up. That meant that there was something He wanted to say, not that He was necessarily waking me up so that I could talk to Him, but that He wanted to talk to me.

When a friend calls me on the phone, it's because they have something they want to say to me or ask me. They initiated the call so they could tell me something, not just because they wanted to hear the sound of my voice. We tend to think that when God wakes us up it is so that we can pray, and that it is all about us doing all the talking and making our requests. Yes, that is part of it, but sometimes it's because He wants to start the conversation. As was the case with Samuel. God woke Samuel up so that HE could say something to Samuel, not vice versa.

I learned a lesson this morning. From now on, when the Lord wakes me up, instead of immediately going into prayer and praise, the first thing I will do is ask Him what He wants; why did He call; is there something He wants to say before I pray; speak for your servant is listening. Otherwise, I might miss something that He is wanting to say to me-- after all, He called me.

Have a great day. He called me, He woke me up for a reason, is it because He has something He wants to say to me?

Monday, May 11, 2009

"Baggage"

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

It's not my intention to criticize the church this morning, but make an honest observation. As a whole we have gotten away from what Christ intended for us to be. We have become a religious organization that looks more like a social club than a living organism that reflects Christ and demonstrates His power to the world. For the most part is it hard to tell the difference between us and the world.

I want to share one reason that I believe has caused this. When people come into the church- either through salvation or through joining the organization- they bring a lot of "baggage" with them. (We all have baggage- ideologies, experiences, culture, upbringing, etc.) Often, when people bring in their "worldly, old life baggage" they are allowed to keep it. If they are allowed to keep any baggage that is contrary to Jesus' teachings and will, they will continue in it's influence, and not only will they continue in it, pretty soon it will begin to influence others and become engrafted into the church.

This is what happened in our church history. The Emperor Constantine became a Christian and ordered everyone else to become one or face death; so everyone for fear of death joined the church, but they brought in all their "baggage" from false religions and so on with them. (This is why we have a mixture of Christ's teachings and other things today.)

We do people an injustice when we don't help them get rid of the baggage. It's one thing to bring the baggage in with you, it's another thing to keep it. Jesus is in the business of taking that old baggage away and replacing it with His peace, righteousness, purity and holiness. We should be in that same business- the business of seeing them free from carrying around any weight that would beset them- and not in the business of letting them hang on to that which will only pull them and others down.

Have a great day. We must help people get rid of the baggage that they bring with them instead of assimilating it into the church.

Friday, May 8, 2009

"Our Go Is Mighty"

"The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof." Psalm 50:1

This morning I woke up with a song going over and over in my spirit. It's a song that we sing at our church by Hillsong. Listen to the chorus: "Savior He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save. Forever author of salvation. He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave." Got any mountains in your life? Got any situations that seem impossible? Got any giant-size problems? Well, if Jesus can conquer the grave, don't you think He can move a mountain! He is a mighty God. He is still able to remove mountains, quench fires, shut lion's mouths, part a sea, bring down a giant, put money in a fish's mouth, multiply the loaves, call dead things back to life. With Him nothing is impossible!

Our Jesus is not a "wimpy" God. He is not a powerless God, or limited in power. He is not a weak God. He is not feeble. He is not elderly. He is not a little "Casper milk toast". He is the conquering King, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Mighty Warrior, All-sufficient God, True and Faithful One, Redeemer, Deliverer, Healer, Provider, the One who was and is and is to come, the One to whom every knee will bow and confess that He is Lord, the Bright and Morning Star, the One who was wounded for our transgressions, the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has prevailed!!!!!! (Hallelujah!)

Don't forget who He is this morning! Don't let your mountain make you believe that it has more power than your God. Don't let it's size intimidate you, don't let it make you afraid, don't allow your heart to fail because of it. The Bible says that the earth is His footstool- the mountains are on the earth. I used to have a footstool and anytime I got ready to move it to another spot all I had to do was give it a little push and it was in the new location. God can do the same with His "footstool"- move that mountain out of the way.

Have a great day. Our God is mighty to save-- He conquered the grave, He can certainly conquer a mountain.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

"Above The Problems"

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1,2

When the Psalmist was in trouble and needed help, where did he say that his help came from? It came from the Lord. Where did he find the Lord in the times he needed help? He found Him by looking up- up to the hills. Think about it. He didn't say that he had to look for the Lord on the other side of the universe. And he didn't say he had to look down into a valley, a craven or a pit.

He looked "up" to find the Lord his helper. Looking to the hills to find the Lord is significant. It means that God is in a place that is higher than our problems, not in a place that is lower. How could a God who is to be found beneath my problems be able to solve my problems? How could He solve them or be of any help to me if they are above Him- if they are higher than He is, if they are over His head?

Your problem, your situation, what you are going through is not above your God this morning. He is above them. They are under His feet, not above His head. So stop looking down, look up, up to the Lord who is on the "Hills", who is highly exalted above your problems.

Have a great day. Your God is above your problems, looking down on them- they are not higher than He is.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

"Battling Thoughts"

"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." Ephesians 4:23

It's been said that the mind is the battleground- and it is. Every temptation starts in the mind. Every bondage first started as a thought. Let me give you some examples of how it all starts in the mind with our thoughts: "Just one more piece of cake won't hurt you." "If they really loved you they would not have acted like that". "If you take this drink you'll be popular with your friends". "Nobody cares about you, you might as well end your life". "Everyone else is losing their job, you will too".

Have you ever had these thoughts? Even worse? The enemy uses "thoughts" as a weapon against us. That is why it is important that we discern where the thoughts are coming from and do something about them. What we do with the thoughts that come to mind determines how far those thoughts take us.

God gives us all we need to be victorious and unyielding to the thoughts that the enemy uses to tempt us with in order to steal, kill and destroy us. We have been given weapons that are not carnal/physical but are mighty enough to pull down even strongholds.

The three things that God has provided as our weapons of defense and victory are: the helmet of salvation- to protect our mind; the Word of God- to renew our mind; and the power of His Holy Spirit- to cast down those thoughts when they come.

You don't automatically defeat those thoughts just because you have been given the weapons to do so with. Just because a soldier has a gun doesn't mean he has defeated his enemy- he has to use his gun in order to do that. A soldier can't just ignore his enemy and think that he has victory over him, neither can we. Just ignoring the thoughts don't defeat them. We have to use what God has made available to us as well.

Have a great day. There may be a battle raging in our thoughts but we have been given the weapons we need to be victorious and win the battle.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"Garments"

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Ephesians 4:24

Every morning I pull off my clothes that I slept in and put on my clothes that I plan to wear that day. I do this each and every day. I have to do this spiritually each day also. There are some things I need to put off and some things I need to put on. Each day I have to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, I have to put on the armor that I have been given to fight the battles that come my way. I have to put on the garment of praise. I have to be clothed in God's grace and mercy, His strength and peace. I have to put on the mind of Christ so that I can think like He thinks. I have to put eye salve on my eyes so that I can see clearly as I walk through this world.

In the morning I pull off the clothes I slept in before I put on the clothes that I am going to wear around the house or out in public because I can't wear both. This morning you can't wear unforgiveness and forgiveness. You can't wear heaviness and praise. You can't wear gladness and mourning. You can't wear joy and grief. You can't wear hate and love at the same time; peace and confusion; weakness and strength. You can't wear righteousness and unrighteousness; filthiness and holiness. You have to pull off one of them. Which garments will you chose to wear? Garments of the flesh or of the spirit?

Have a great day. As you get dressed for the day, don't forgot to put on and pull off those spiritual garments as well.

Monday, May 4, 2009

"The Wilderness"

"Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest." Jeremiah 31:2

Nobody likes to be in the "wilderness". We would much rather be in the "promise land"- a land that flows with milk and honey. I want to talk about the wilderness this morning, and look at it in a different light. We all go through wilderness times and when we do we need to see them as beneficial.

1) You can't get to the promise land without going through the wilderness. Between Egypt and the promise land there was a wilderness that the Israelites had to cross. Remind yourself that this is the route that leads to the promise land and I will come out of it eventually, it's not a permanent place.

2) The Spirit will intentionally lead us into the wilderness- He led Jesus into the wilderness. "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil." (Matthew 4:1) Remember that you can trust the leading of the Holy Spirit because He has your best interest at heart and is not out to destroy you.

3) The wilderness may look like a barren place, but there are provisions in the wilderness. God provided daily for forty years everything the Israelites needed. God still sends His provisions in the wilderness. Just as He provided their food, their water, kept the clothes on their back and shoes on their feet from wearing out, He will do the same for you.

4) God's presence is in the wilderness. The whole forty years the Israelites were in the wilderness the Lord was with them. He dwelt among them in the center of the camp. He is with you in your wilderness- you are not alone. You have a greater promise then they had. You have the promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

5) There is grace in the wilderness. Just because you are in a wilderness doesn't mean that God's grace is not there. His grace is His empowerment and strength to go through the wilderness. It's His favor surrounding you. His grace is sufficient, even for the wilderness times we go through. It will be enough to sustain you.

6) The wilderness will make you stronger and more powerful against the enemy and equip you to do the service of the Lord. "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about." (Luke 4:14) Jesus came out of the wilderness empowered to represent the Kingdom of God and do the work that He was sent to do.

I hope that after you read this you will look at the wilderness a different way and not see it as a place of defeat or a place to be avoided. The wilderness is a needful place- it too accomplishes a purpose in our lives.

Have a great day. Don't fear or dread the wilderness.

Friday, May 1, 2009

"Do Not Fear"

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1

I have been getting a lot of emails about the swine flu, economic crisis, people losing their jobs, etc. It certainly doesn't look very bright or hopeful. These are fearful times. And for that reason, I feel impressed to say to you, "Do not be afraid". If you are a child of God you have no reason to fear what is happening or what may lie ahead. The Lord is your protector, your healer, your deliverer, your salvation. We have been given promises that if we walk uprightly before Him He will rebuke the devourer, none of these plagues will come near our dwelling, He will be with and not leave us, He will give His angels charge over us and He'll meet and supply all our need.

If there is another depression, we do not have to fear because God will meet our need. If there is a famine, we do not have to fear because He will give us our daily bread. If there are diseases throughout the land, we do not have to fear because He is the Lord who heals all our diseases. If enemy forces war against us, we do not have to fear what man can do unto us because the Lord is our protection, His name is a strong tower that we can run into and find safety. If natural disasters get worse, we do not have to fear because the Lord has a safe place prepared for us.

I don't want to sound like gloom and despair. The fact is none of us know what tomorrow may hold and according to the scriptures in the last days perilous times will come. What I do want to do is give you a message of hope and peace this morning. Regardless of what may come our way, our hearts can stay in perfect peace, we don't have to be afraid. We just need to keep our hearts, minds and eyes upon the Lord... He is our peace.

Have a great day. Do not be afraid! You have nothing to fear because the Lord is with you.