"Trust The Process"

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."  Philippians 1:6

 

A few days ago my daughter posted a link on her Facebook concerning the coloring of your hair-- she is a cosmetologist.  It was entitled, "Trust The Process", and it showed several pictures of the stages that hair has to go through in order to get the color from a dark brown to a light blonde.  There were about six or seven stages and each stage required at least an hour of time.  But if you "trusted the process" the end result would be the goal you were hoping to achieve.

 

Life is full of processes.  When you make pottery, it starts out as a lump of clay and then goes through a long process before it becomes a vessel.  Baking in cake requires a process.  The process begins with multiple ingredients and after going through several steps and time in the oven, your cake is completed. 

 

When the Lord saved us, He gave us eternal life but He also has a plan and goal for our lives.  In order to accomplish His goal we have to go through a process of transformation.  This transformation doesn't happen over night, it involves a process.  The process takes time.  During the process it may not look like any change is taking place.  It may look like we are going in the wrong direction.  It may be hard.  It may involve some fire, some pruning, some molding, some stripping, and so on.  But the end result will be His goal for our lives.

 

Sometimes what we are going through is nothing more than the transformation process.  Will you trust the process?  Will you allow the process to accomplish the change that needs to take place in you?  Will you be patient during the process?  Will you hold on and not give up?  The end result will be worth it.  The end result will be God's perfect will and plan accomplished in your life.

 

Have a great day.  Trust the process and trust the Lord who initiates and watches over the process.   

"He Still Is"

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."  Hebrews 13:8

 

I woke up this morning with the words of this song repeating over and over in my thoughts.  "And He'll do it again, He'll do it again
If you'll just take a look at where you are now and where you've been.  Well hasn't He always come through for you, He's the same now as then. You may not know how, you may not know when, but He'll do it again".

 

Jesus is the same as He has always been.  He has not changed.  If He has ever been the Savior, He still is the Savior.  If He has ever been the Healer, He still is.  If He has ever been Deliverer, then He is still Deliverer.  If He has ever done miracles, then He still does miracles.  He doesn't stop being who He is.  He doesn't stop doing what He does.  He still calms storms like He always has.  He still gives peace like He has always given peace.  He still loves, He still blesses, He still strengthens, He still empowers, He still bestows grace, gives hope, removes fear, restores broken relationships, makes a way even when there seems to be none, calms the troubled waters of your soul and He still hears you when you cry.

 

If you need Him today in any area and in any capacity, you can count on Him, you can trust Him, because if He has ever "come through for you, He's the same now as then".  He will still come through for you today.  You may not know how, you may not know when, but He will do it again because He does not change.

 

Have a great day.  The Lord is Who He is and He does not change.   

 

"Escapism"

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

How do you handle your times in the valley or in the wilderness? How do you handle situations that you don't particularly like to be in? Most of us complain about it or pray for a way out of it. I was thinking about that very thing this morning. There is a certain situation I had been praying that God would change, then this morning He spoke to me and said why didn't I pray that He would show me how to "go through it".

We need to learn to be content where we are instead of seeking a route of escape. Whether we like it or not, there are some things we must go through. The valleys are needful in our lives. The wilderness does play a part. Even prisons, captivity, persecutions all can play a role in God's purpose and scheme of things. The backside of the dessert was a valuable place for Moses. The prison was a stepping stone to the palace for Joseph. Being presented before a heathen king was a set up for Esther.

Too often we pray for a way out of the very place that we must go through in order to get us to where God wants to take us. His plan for you may take you to the valley. It took Jesus into the wilderness (Matthew 4), and the cross. If we would begin to pray that the Lord would show us how to go through it instead of how to escape out of it, we would benefit from it in the long run. We need to learn to be content instead of always wanting a way out just because it doesn't "suit" us. His grace is sufficient to see us through. This place that we are so eager to escape may be what brings us to the threshold of our destiny.

Have a great day. Instead of complaining and trying to escape where you are, pray the Lord will show you "how" to go through it.

"Panting"

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Psalm 42:1

The word pant means to have an intense eagerness; to yearn; to hunger; to thirst; to have a strong desire; to long for. Let me ask you a question, "Does that describe you?" Does it describe how you feel about the Lord? Do you long for Him? Do you have a hunger and thirst to know Him in deeper more intimate ways? Is He the desire of your heart? Is HE that yearning-- not what He does for you, not what He can give you. Too many of His children long for His blessings, His gifts, and His provisions. We all have needs and when we do we need to look to the Lord because He is our source of provision, but that's not all He is. He is a God who desires and longs for fellowship, communion, intimacy with you. He desires to reveal Himself to you. He desires to make "known His ways" to you like He did Moses. He desires to "bring you up higher" and hide you in the cleft of the rock to show you His glory.

There is so much more to God than just His blessings and provisions. But if that's all you are "yearning" for, then you will still have an empty place- a place that is not fulfilled in your soul. You will always feel thirsty and hungry. Because these aren't the things that satisfy-- only Jesus can satisfy your soul; His presence and intimacy with Him.

The soul that hungers for Him, He will satisfy them. He will give Himself to them. He will reveal Who He is. He will let them taste and see that He is good. He gives you a promise-- when you hunger and thirst for Him, He will fill you. He will fill you with Himself to overflowing. You won't thirst again. Once you have been filled, you'll always want more and the more you want, the more He'll fill you.

Have a great day. What you are yearning and hungry for?

"Acceptable Words And Heart"

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

 

Notice the verse didn't say, "Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in thy sight, Lord".  Neither did it say, "Let the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Lord".  It said to let both "words of the mouth and meditation of the heart" be acceptable.  Why is that?  Because our words and our heart are directly connected.   

 

Our words are a reflection of what is in our hearts.  Our words also reveal what is in our hearts.  "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." (Matthew 15:18)  "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)  "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." (Matthew 15:19)  "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."  (Luke 6:45)

 

So, if our words are going to be acceptable to the Lord, the things our hearts meditate on have to be acceptable to the Lord.  This is why it is important to guard your heart and not allow anything that is unrighteous into it.  This is why it is important for us to think/meditate on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, have a good report, bring forth virtue and praise.  This is why it is important to hide the Word in our hearts-- so we won't sin against God in action or with our words.     

 

What are you pondering in your heart?  What do you meditate on?  It will come out of your mouth and when it does, will it be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord?  What words are you saying?  If they aren't pleasing and acceptable to the Lord, then you need to check your heart-- that's where they are coming from.

 

Have a great day.  Your words will be acceptable to the Lord as long as what you are putting into your heart is acceptable to Him.

"But This I Know"

"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:13

I was thinking about what I don't know in regard to the rest of this year. For instant, I don't know what tomorrow may hold. I don't know whether the Lord will return before the year is over or not. I don't know just how bad things might get before He does return. I don't know what we may face in the days, weeks, months ahead. I don't know if the rest of the year will be better or worse that the beginning of it. I don't know if I will even make it through this next year- perhaps He'll call me home. I just don't know.

But there is something I do know. I know I don't have to worry about what tomorrow may hold because I know who holds tomorrow and who holds me in the palm of His hand. I know that the Lord is faithful. I know that His mercies are new every morning. I know that He crowns the year with His goodness. I know He will meet and supply all my need. I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I know that He will be with me always even unto the end of the world. I know that as I acknowledge Him in all my ways He will direct my path. I know that a thousand shall fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand but it will not come near me. I know that there is no good thing that He will withhold from me as I walk uprightly before Him. I know He heals all my diseases and forgives all my iniquities. I know that nothing can separate me from His love.

There are many things in this life that are uncertain, but there is one thing that we can be certain of-- God will never change. There are many things we don't know about the future, but this we know-- the Lord has already seen the end as well as the beginning. There are things that we won't know until we get there, but we know this-- God already knows. We don't know what will happen from one day to the next, but this one thing we know-- God is in control. We need to stop being concerned about what we "don't know" and encourage ourselves in what we do know. And what we know is that we can trust the Lord with our lives.

Have a great day. There is a lot about tomorrow that we don't know... but always remember that as long as God knows we don't have to be concerned about what we don't know.

"Just Noise"

"...for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Matthew 6:7b

As you know, I go to the nursing home twice a month and conduct a church service. We meet in the dining room. There is a door in the dining room that leads to an outside patio. At the top of the door is some sort of electronic fan/filter. It is suppose to turn on every time the door opens and "suck" the flies and bugs out that come in. Each time it comes on, it makes a very loud noise and does not stop until the door closes. The problem with it is, the door does not fit tightly so the slightest suction on the door and it turns on. Someone has to finally walk over there and pull the door completely shut. Also, it doesn't work very well in doing what it was designed to do.

The reason I said all that is because this door reminds me of some Christians-- they make a lot of noise but don't function the way God intends for them to. You know who they are-- they say they are Christians, but act like the devil. They are always trying to tell you how to live, but never live it themselves. They are like the Pharisees. The Pharisees always had something to say-- there was no shortage of words with them, but their actions spoke contrary. They preached it but they didn't practice it. They talked it but they didn't walk it.

Am I describing you this morning? Do you "talk the talk" but don't "walk the walk"? Are you a Christian in profession only? Does your lifestyle testify to what you say you are?  Do your actions line up with your words? If not, then you need to repent and ask God to make you into a person that lives what you say.

Personally, I think they should unplug, or remove altogether, this device at the nursing home because it doesn't do any good. It's just irritating, annoying and distracting. Christians who are like this bear these same characteristics-- annoying, irritating, distracting from the true nature of who God is, and cause the message of the gospel to be hindered. We don't want to be like that.

Have a great day. Are you functioning the way a Christian should or are you just a lot of noise?

"Dwelling Place"

"Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah." Psalm 84:4

Do you know why most Christians seem to live powerless, defeated, compromised lives, lacking in faith, full of confusion, they have no joy, no peace and are shaken with each trial? It's because of where they "live"- or don't live. To "dwell in thy house" means to "live" where God is- in His presence. It doesn't mean to "visit". This is what most Christians do- they "visit" God's presence. I am not talking about attending church. I am talking about living in Him, being where His presence is, living and walking in the spirit.

Jesus addressed this- He called it "abiding".. another name for "dwelling". (John 15:4-7) When we abide in Him, when we dwell in Him, there is an attachment to Him. Like a branch that is attached to a tree. The branch gets it's life from the tree. When we abide in Him, we get our life from Him. Everything He is pours into us- peace, joy, love, victory, power, etc.

This dwelling, like I've already said is not "visiting". You can't "visit" the presence of God-- once a week at church, or only when you have a need, or when things are going wrong call upon Him, or turn in prayer to Him when you feel like it, when it suits you, or when it is convenient, or when you want a "feel good" blessing-- and expect to live a "full" Christian life. It comes from dwelling, abiding, living in His presence. It comes from walking and talking with Him on a daily, moment by moment, when things are going good and when things are going bad basis.

He has gone to prepare a place for us to live with Him one day (John 14), but He has also already prepared a place for us to live here and now. It's a dwelling place in Himself. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

Have a great day. Are you visiting on occasion or living in God's presence?

"Don't Be Like A Squirrel"

"God will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. He will guide me with His eye. "  Psalm 32:8

 

When I went to town yesterday, on one of the streets was a squirrel.  He was standing in the middle of the street.  As I approached him, he decided to run and move out of my way.  The problem was, he didn't know which way to run.  (I was just praying he wouldn't run back in front of me.)  He darted in several directions unable to discern which way was the best way to get out of the way.

 

I thought about people and how we are often like that squirrel.  When troubles come, when problems hit our lives, when the enemy comes and tries to intimidate us and "run over us", do we do the same thing that squirrel did?  Are we unsure of which direction to take?  Do we run around in circles?  Do we become confused, afraid and run blindly in any direction-- hoping it is the right one?

 

We need to know what direction will get us out of "harms way".  We don't need to mindlessly make decisions.  We don't have a reason to be confused.  We can know what to do.  What we do is look to the Lord.  We head in His direction.  We should have assurance in our hearts that when we are faced with a course of action, there is no question because we have already settled it.  We will always head in the Lord's direction.  We will always run toward Him.  We will always take the way of escape that He has made.  We will let His Word guide and direct us.  We will follow Him. 

 

So, don't be like that squirrel.  You can know what to do and which way to go as long as you go toward the Lord.

 

Have a great day.  When you have to make a decision, are you like a squirrel running around in circles or a person who has confidence and assurance in the Lord?

"Blessed Redeemer"

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."  John 3:17

 

As I was getting out of bed this morning, an old hymn began to play in my thoughts.  I haven't heard it in years so I had to look up the words.  It is the song, "Blessed Redeemer".  The lyrics are below. 

 

As I read the lyrics, I was reminded that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn us, but to save us.  While Jesus was hanging on the cross in agony, in pain, in shame, falsely accused, innocent of any charge, bleeding, unable to breath, enduring the slander and mocking of the crowd, listening to the reproach of sinners, hanging by nails in His hands and feet, dying a cruel and horrible death, He never once lashed out in condemnation.  Never once did we hear Him make accusations against His accusers.  Never once did He threaten anyone for His treatment, make revengeful statement or promises to "get back" and "get even".  He could have called angels to deliver Him and destroy all those who were standing there.  But He didn't.  All we heard from Him was words of love, compassion, care and forgiveness. 

 

Jesus has never, even when dying on the cross, condemned us.  Our sins did.  Satan, the accuser, did.  Other people have.  But Jesus didn't come to do that.  He came to die.  He came to give His life as a ransom for our sins.  He came to bring us hope, freedom, deliverance, salvation, restoration and eternal life.  Had His reason and mission for coming been to condemn us, He never would have died on the cross.  He never would have hung there "wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading". 

 

Have a great day.  Jesus is our Blessed Redeemer, not our accuser.   

 

"Blessed Redeemer"

Up Calvary's mountain one dreadful morn

Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn
Facing for sinners death on the cross
That He might save them from endless loss

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading
Blind and unheeding, dying for me

'Father, forgive them,' my Savior prayed
Even while His lifeblood flowed fast away
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so

Dying for me

Oh how I love Him, Savior and friend
How can my praises ever find end
Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore
My songs shall praise Him forevermore

"Balcony Or Basement?"

"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying."  1 Corinthians 14:26

 

I heard a preacher a while back make a statement about "balcony people" and "basement people".  Then he defined what each was.  A balcony person is one who edifies others- he lifts them up, encourages them and brings them up to a higher level.  A basement person is one who is the opposite- he pulls people down, he belittles them, speaks negative words and discourages.  What he said about these two was so powerful-- I haven't forgotten it.  I am constantly asking myself which one am I.

 

Which one are you?  Are you a balcony person?  Do your words minister and build up?  Or are you a basement person? Do your words pull down to a low level?  I believe we all have a tendency to be "both".  There are times when we encourage and times when we discourage.  There are times we speak positive uplifting words and times when we speak negative destructive words. 

 

You know, you can't live in the basement and on the balcony at the same time.  We have the tendency to go back and forth between the two, but we have to decide where we are going to "live".  Even though I don't always succeed at it, I want to be a balcony person.  I want to live in a higher place.  I want to speak words that lift others to a higher place.  I want to bring others up.  There is enough negative in the world.  There is enough criticism out there.  There is enough "dog eat dog", slander, belittling, beating down, bad news, discouraging reports, complaining and murmuring, depressing words all around us.  Why don't we stop being among those that use their mouths in that way. 

 

Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to the Lord.  Let the law of kindness be in our mouths.  Let words of faith come from our lips.  Let words that help, encourage, bring hope and peace, and words of life proceed from our mouths.  We should talk the same way Jesus talked.  We should answer the same way Jesus would.  He should fill our mouths with what to speak.  He should take over our conversations.  We should let Holy Spirit direct our words as well as our thoughts and actions. Whatever good we can find to say, we should say it.  When we have to speak words of correction, those words of truth should be spoken in love, not criticism or condemnation that will destroy. 

 

Have a great day.  Are you a balcony person or a basement person?

"Follow Your Heart?"

"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."  Proverbs 28:26

 

There is a popular saying that has become a word of advice.  You hear people say it.  You see it printed on clothing.  You read it on signs that are made for room décor.  It is:  "Follow Your Heart".  It may sound good.  It may sound like good advice.  But it is not good advice.  It is unscriptural advice.  It is not something that we can afford to do.  "Follow our hearts". 

 

Why? Why can't we follow our own hearts?  Why can't we allow them to lead us?  Primarily because the Bible says our hearts are deceitful and wicked.  "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)  Our heart wants what it wants.  It is like a spoiled child.  It will go for what it desires, and what it desires is not always good.  Crimes are committed because of the desire of someone's heart.  Murders are committed because someone followed the hurt of their heart, the lusts of their heart, the craving of their heart, the revenge and hate that was in their heart.  Relationships are broken because someone wanted what their heart desired-- something fresh, something new, something that was more appealing or more pleasurable.  In short, they were following the selfish, self-centered desires of their own wicked heart.  Pride, envy, jealousy, grudges, malice, unforgiveness, etc. are all conceived in the heart. 

 

We cannot trust our hearts to lead us in the right direction.  But we can trust the Lord.  We are suppose to be following Him.  Jesus' very words were-- "Follow Me".  We are to be following the leading and guidance of Holy Spirit as we go on our journey through life.  The correct saying is-- "Follow The Lord".  He will never lead you in the wrong direction.  He will never lead you astray.  He will never lead you into a place of destruction.  He will always be with you no matter where He leads you.  

 

Have a great day.  Are you following your own wicked heart?  Or are you following the Lord?   

"Focusing Where?"

"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

 

We all face problems and difficulties.  Jesus even told us that while we live in this world we would have tribulations.  When problems arise, where are you going to place your focus?  On the problem?  On the Lord?  I am not saying that we ignore what is going on.  We can't do that.  There are things that need our attention.  David didn't ignore the giant.  But his focus wasn't solely on the giant.  David's focus was on the Lord.  

 

David saw the giant.  He was aware of the giant.  He knew the giant was out to destroy him.  He knew the giant was his enemy.  He knew the giant was a real foe.  He knew the giant was big and powerful.  But because his focus was not fixed on the giant, he knew that the giant would be defeated.  David's focus was on the Lord.  Because he focused on the Lord, the giant didn't look so big, dreadful, intimidating, fearful nor undefeatable in comparison. 

 

When we face problems, we have to be like David-- see the problem, be aware of the problem, don't run from the problem, meet the problem head on, but focus on the Lord in order to make it through and have victory, in and over, the problem.

 

Have a great day.  Are you facing a problem today?  Are you focused on it or are you focused on the Lord?     

"What Church Are You?"

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:3

Concerning the seven churches in Asia that were addressed in the Book of Revelation, there are a couple of schools of thought- some believe that they represent seven successive phases of the church; some believe that they coexist at the same time. It's not my desire to get into a theological debate this morning concerning these churches but I do want to look at them from an additional perspective.

The church of Ephesus had lost their first love. Pergamos tolerated immorality, idolatry and heresies. The church of Thyatira allowed deception, idolatry, immorality. The church of Sardis was self deceived- they thought they were alive but they were dead. Laodicea was lukewarm.

Regardless of what you believe these churches represent, I believe we can take it a step further. It has been said that "we are the church". The church is not a "building"- that's just a place where the "real church" meets together. So if "I'm the church" and these letters were written to the church- I should take personal heed to what the Lord is saying here and ask myself some questions and search my heart to see if this is the state of my life.

You and I have to ask ourselves, "Have I lost my first love? Am I allowing immorality or idolatry in my life? Do I think that I am alive but I am deceived and am really dead? Have I become lukewarm in my desire for the things of God- for God Himself? Do I tolerate those things that He hates? Am I putting more emphasis on material things than on spiritual things?" After answering these questions, did you see a resemblance between you and them? If so, then there is only one thing to do-- repent. Repent and return to your first love. Repent and lay aside immorality and idolatry. Repent and get on fire again. Repent.

Have a great day. Does your life bear a resemblance to any of these churches? If so, repent.

"One Of Them"

"And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." Acts 3:8

Have you ever seen those people who are just overjoyed in their salvation? Some call them "fanatics". Others refer to them as "one of them". All they want to talk about is Jesus. They get a little "too" excited about the Lord. They lift their hands, they shout, they jump around, they dance, they act a little "wild" at times. Well, there are times when I am one of those kinds of Christians. I can't help myself... I just want to run, jump, shout and praise the Lord demonstratively, and can hardly contain it. Shall I tell you why? What prompts such behavior in me and in others when we tend to get "emotional" about the Lord.

The man at the Gate Beautiful is an example of "one of them". When the Lord healed him, he went into the temple "walking and leaping and praising God". His action wasn't just prompted by the fact that he was now able to use his legs that were once paralyzed. I believe it was because the man "came back to life"- he got his life back. He sat at the temple gate begging all day, everyday. He had to have someone carry him to the gate, he had to depend on others to support him, he had to have someone come and get him at the end of the day. This man had no life- he was as good as dead. But on that particular day when he was healed, he came alive. No wonder he was walking, leaping, running, shouting, praising God.

I shared that story to give you my answer. You see, I was once dead- dead in trespasses and sin- I had no life- but Jesus passed by my way and raised me up out of my "beggarly" state. He, who is life, breathed His breath of life into me. I passed from death into life. The wages of my sin produced death but He gave me His gift of eternal life. I came alive! When I think about that-- it makes me want to shout! I get so excited and overwhelmed at the fact that He gave me my life back. I have a reason to shout, so that's why I shout! That's why I dance! That's why I jump around! That's why I can't contain myself when I think about it! I was once dead but now I am alive! Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus!

Have a great day. I am glad to be "one of them"... and thankfully so!

"Winds"

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." Acts 2:2

I believe that- spiritually speaking- there are different seasons and times that we go through. I also believe that what we see happening in the natural often reflects what is happening in the spirit realm. I believe that God uses natural things to speak to us about spiritual things. For example, March is a windy month. It is also the month that is the doorway to spring. Spring represents a new beginning, life, fresh start.

The other morning I was outside sitting on my porch and the wind was blowing so strongly. As I was thanking God for the wind- in everything give thanks- the Spirit began to speak to me. What He spoke to me came in the form of a prayer. I believe that He lead me to pray this prayer because it is a new season and the winds of March were "prophetic" concerning the time we are living in. This morning I would like to ask you to join in this prayer with me because we need the Lord to send the "wind" into this "new season"- we need the wind of God to bring in a "new thing" into our hearts and His church.

Pray that the Lord would send forth the wind of His Spirit to blow upon us that would so radically change our lives like He did on the Day of Pentecost. Pray for the wind of revival to blow in our hearts. Pray for winds of refreshing to blow away the fatigue and weariness. Pray that the Lord will send a strong wind to blow back the "seas" that are barriers between us and our promised land. Send the wind into Your church, Lord, that would blow out discord, disunity, pride, deception, dead religious practices, the teachings that we have adopted from the world, hypocrisy, impurity, and immorality. Blow upon the programs and agenda of men in your house and let the breath of your Spirit breath new life- resurrection life- into us. Pray for the wind to blow away the chaff so that the "wheat" alone remains. Send forth Your mighty wind that is powerful into your church once again- a wind that is so powerful that nothing that isn't like You, Lord, can stand.

Have a great day. As you are praying this, the Lord will increase your prayer and show you other areas that the "wind" of His Spirit needs to blow upon in your life.

"Jehovahjireh"

"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." Genesis 22:14

One of the names that God reveals Himself to us through is Jehovahjireh- God is our provider. It also means that God is the One who sees ahead and makes provision for. But I also heard it means "God will see to it". As I pondered this meaning this morning, I thought about how that it is God who "sees to it" that the righteous aren't forsaken. It's God who "sees to" meeting and supplying all my need. It's God who "sees to it" that I have rain in due season. It's God who "sees to it" that when I cast my bread upon the waters it will return to me. When I give, it's God who "sees to it" that it's given back to me good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

God will "see to it" that you receive the promise when you have met the condition. God will "see to it" that you are taken care of when you commit yourself into His keeping. When you place your faith and trust in Him, He will "see to it" that you won't be ashamed. God will "see to it" that you reap the blessing after you have been obedient. You are God's business. He loves you and cares about you. Therefore, whatever you need, He will "see to it" that you have it. So put your trust in Him as your Jehovahjireh-your provider- because He will "see to it".

Have a great day. Isn't it wonderful to know that God is "seeing to it" that all your need- spirit, soul and body- is met!

"In Order"

"In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live." Isaiah 38:1

The Lord told Hezekiah to get his house in order. Of course, God was talking about him getting the affairs of his life in order because he was going to die. I was thinking about "getting your house in order" this evening. When the Lord speaks that word to our hearts, it may mean the same thing it meant for Hezekiah-- your life is coming to an end here on earth. But it also might mean that God wants you to get your "heart house" in order.

When you look up the word "order" in the dictionary, there are more than fifty meanings of the word. I want to look at a few of those meaning in regard to our heart houses needing to be "in order".

Order- an arrangement of elements; the disposition of things following one after another; succession or sequence. Example- the alphabet recited in order starts with A, B, C, etc. Is your live in order as for as putting things in the right succession? This would mean putting the things that are of more importance in first place in our lives. Example- God, others, self; God's will, my will.

Another definition of order deals with something being "in order"- in order means that it is in proper working condition. Is your spiritual life in proper working condition, or is it "out of order"? Is it "broken"? You know, are your spiritual ears able to hear what the Spirit of God is saying? Is your discernment keen? Are you sensitive to the wooing of the Spirit?

Daily we need to make sure that our heart houses are in order-- our priorities are correct and where they should be (in order of importance), and our "spiritual faculties" are working properly (we are walking in the spirit).

Have a great day. Is your house in order or out of order?