"Money Changers"

"And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." Matthew 21:13

Most churches have lots of programs, entertainment, fellowships, social gatherings, music concerts, counseling sessions and so on, but the main thing that Jesus said that His church/house was to be is rarely found in it. The only time He ever defined the purpose of His house He called it a "house of prayer". So I wonder, "Why isn't there prayer in His house?". Some churches have no prayer time and others have very little. A thirty minute prayer meeting once a week or month equates to no prayer at all. Where are the prayer meetings? Where are the all night prayer vigils? Where is the prayer time around the altar? Prayer is the engine that runs it all. Prayer is the communication lines to the Head of the church- Jesus. In prayer is where the will of God and His direction is discovered. A church without prayer becomes a place for the money changers to set up business.

The money changers represent many things: dead religious practice, greed, compromise, insincere worship, fleshy work, etc. When a church does not pray, the "money changers" come in and "set up business". At that point it ceases to be about the One whose House it is and becomes about self and promoting our "business" instead of "His business".

Let me put this on a more personal level. The Bible says that every born again believer becomes the dwelling place of God- His temple, His house. So the result of prayerlessness that we are talking about in the physical church can take place in the "spiritual" church as well. (Just because you pray a quick prayer when you are in trouble, or spend ten minutes in prayer a day, does not constitute a prayer life.) If your life is prayer-less then the money changers will come in and set up "business" in your life. Without prayer you become selfish, greedy, compromising, offering up insincere worship, no praise comes from your lips, the joy is gone, the peace isn't there, confusion enters in and you are reduced to living by the dictates and desires of your own flesh.

When Jesus entered the temple, He drove the money changers out. It is time for you to start driving them out too. He gave us the answer as to how to do that--- "My house shall be called the house of prayer". Start praying again. Start setting aside time for prayer. Set up a prayer altar in your life. Go into your prayer closet. Make your life a "house of prayer" again.

Have a great day. Prayerlessness opens the door for the money changers to set up business.

For further reading:
Matthew 21:12,13; 6:5,6
Mark 11:15-17
1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19

"He Leads"

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14

As the children of God we are led by His Spirit. His leading does not always take us where we may want to go. There are times He "leads us besides the still waters"; there are times when He leads us "in paths of righteousness"; but then there are times when He leads us "into the wilderness". We like the thought of Him leading us into places of rest, joy, abundance, prosperity and so on. But we don't like to think about Him leading us into dry places of testing and trial. And we even reject the thought that He would lead us into such a place.

We don't want to believe that God has anything to do with us being in a place of "suffering"- we immediately think that it is the devil doing it to us. But that is not always the case. It was the Spirit who "led" Jesus into the wilderness. It was the plan of God for Joseph to be in the palace in Egypt, but the route there was through the pit, Potiphar's house and the prison. Even Jesus went the route of the cross at the will of the Father to bring redemption to the world.

Let me clarify something, the accounts in Jesus' life and Joseph's life that we have talked about was not God doing it "to them", but God was doing something of great and eternal value "through" them which involved going an "unpleasant route".

We have to keep three things in mind when we are being led into places that are not of our liking or desire: 1) All things will work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. 2) He loves us and we can trust His love for us- so it will be well. 3) He will never leave us but will walk every step of the way with us.

Have a great day. The Lord doesn't always lead us in the way we desire to go, but we can trust His leading regardless.

For further reading:
Psalm 23:2,3
Luke 4:1
Acts 9:15,16
Genesis 45:5
Isaiah 53:10
Romans 8:28
Job 13:15
Hebrews 13:5

Burn Out

"...when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19b

I hear so many talk about being "burnt out" in their Christian walk. They get tired and weary to the point where they feel they can't go much further or they want to give up and quit. It doesn't have to be like that. Sure we get tired in our bodies. Yes, we often have numerous responsibilities and demands upon us. But that is no reason to give up. Jesus had more demands on Him than any of us. He was always about His Father's business. Crowds were always flocking around Him hoping to at least touch the hem of His garment- they were always "pulling" on the anointing. Often He did not have time to even eat or sleep. Even when He and the disciples tried to leave the crowds and get some rest, they still followed them.

Did He get tired physically? Yes, He was a man. Did He "burn out"? No, He knew what to do to prevent it. And He left us an example to help us in those times when we feel as if we are under too much pressure to be able to go on. The answer is found in the verse above- it's called "times of refreshing". Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Too often we look for that place of refreshing in other areas- relaxation, entertainment, change of scenery, etc.- and neglect the true source where refreshing comes.

If we are always doing the "work" of the Lord but aren't spending time in His presence, we will get "burned out". When I talk about being in His presence, I am not talking about a ten minute prayer. I am talking about going into your "closet", shutting the door behind you and being still until His presence "rains down" on you and "floods your soul". How long has it been since that has happened? It should be a daily occurrence. Jesus knew that. This is why we "often" saw Him depart into a place to get alone with His Father. We can't think that we can make it if we don't do the same.

In His presence is peace, joy, refreshing, regained strength, revelation, clarity of mind, healing for your body, the place where cares seem to melt away, mountains are removed, impossibilities are viewed as possible and hope is restored. Today, you need to find a place to get alone with Him and let the rain of His Spirit satiate the dryness and bring life back into the burned out places in you.

Have a great day. The solution for "burn out" is the presence of the Lord.

For further reading:
Luke 6:12
Mark 6:30-32
Psalm 16:11

"Sober and Vigilant"

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8

The word sober here means to not be under the influence of intoxicants. This has a two-fold meaning. It literally means to not be intoxicated with alcohol or any other substance. But it also means not to allow anything that will influence you and cause you to become spiritually disoriented and complacent because that leads to compromise. The word vigilant means to be watchful. The scripture admonishes us to be sober and vigilant because we have a very real enemy who is out to destroy us.  (This enemy is not flesh and blood.)

The King James translation says the devil goes around "seeking" whom he may devour. Another translation say that he is "sneaking" around looking for someone to destroy. He actually does both- he is seeking whom he can destroy and he does so by sneaking around trying to catch you off guard. So the warning above is for us to stay alert and stay on guard. Don't let down your guard for a moment, and don't let anything cause you to let down your guard.

Do we have to walk around in constant fear of the enemy, afraid that he is lurking in the shadows or hiding under every rock? Of course not, but we do have to maintain an awareness that he is out there and he is trying to destroy us. The Bible tells us that we are not ignorant of the devil's devices. So at the first inclination that what is coming your way resembles his devices make sure you are soberly vigilant and don't "shrug" it off- in other words watch that thing and don't take your eye off of it.

If we stay sober and keep watch we will not be destroyed or defeated by the enemy. Instead, we will be victorious over his scheme to destroy us because we saw him coming.

Have a great day. Stay sober and vigilant!

For further reading:
Ephesians 6:
John 10:10
2 Corinthians 2:11

"Barabbas"

"Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." Matthew 27:26

Have you ever wondered what Barabbas did with his life after he was released and given a second chance?  The Bible doesn't say anything about him after his release so we don't know what he did or what he became.

Let's look at Barabbas for a moment and see what the Bible does say about him. The scriptures are very plain about what kind of man he was. He was notorious, a murderer, a rebel and a thief- he was the worst of the worst. He was sentenced to death and awaiting his time of execution. He was released from prison, not because he deserved to be, not because of his own goodness or righteousness, and not because he was found to be innocent- he was guilty of every crime brought against him. The only reason he was released and set free was because Jesus was crucified in his place... he was given a second chance.

Barabbas represents us all. We are the "worst of the worst"- we are all sinners who have come short of the glory of God. We are all under the death sentence and awaiting punishment. Like him, we too deserved death but Jesus died in our place. It was through Jesus' death that we were pardoned and set free- not by our own works of righteousness and not because we deserved to be. We have also been given a second chance.

We may not can answer the question about what Barabbas did with his second chance and new lease on life, but we can answer the question as it pertains to us. Jesus died in our place and gave us a second chance. Have you taken advantage of that chance to be free from your sins? Are you putting your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord? If so, the question then becomes personal- "What are YOU doing with your second chance?" Are you living it for self or for the One who freed you?

Have a great day. We have all been given a second chance at life because Jesus took our place in death. What are you doing with your second chance?

For further reading:
Romans 3:10,23; 6:23
Isaiah 64:6
Ephesians 2:8,9
Titus 3:5
1 Peter 3:18

"Settled Ahead of Time"

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." Daniel 1:8

The time to decide not to give into temptation is not while you are in the temptation, but before it ever comes. Daniel did not wait until he was faced with the temptation to break God's commands to decide not to, he had already settled it in his heart before the temptation actually came. Daniel could have let the fact that he was a captive, the acceptance of certain practices by the culture that he now lived in, the fact that he was "on his own" with no parents to tell him what to do influence him in the time of temptation. But he did not because he had already made up his mind not to defile himself or disobey God. He had already decided not to allow anything or anyone to influence him to give in and sin against God.

If you wait until you are in the middle of the temptation (whatever it may be) to decide what you will do, you will more than likely give in to the temptation. You have to settle it before it even comes your way. Jesus won the victory at the cross because He had settled it in His heart before He came to it. He made the decision in the Garden when He said, "Nevertheless, not My will but Thine"-- so He stayed on course and endured the cross.

Today you need to start making some choices and settling some things in your heart before you are ever tempted by them. If you will make the decision now not to compromise God's word and keep His commandments, it will keep you in the hour of temptation and you will make the right choice then.

Have a great day. The time to resist the temptation is before you even get to it by settling it in your heart ahead of time.

For further reading:
Matthew 26:39
James 4:7
Psalm 101:3
Genesis 39:7-12

"Abundantly Satisfied"

"They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures." Psalm 36:8

People are searching to try to find something in life that satisfies. They look for it in relationships, in material possessions, through spiritual enlightenment, through various sources of indulgences, only to find themselves empty once more. Nothing that we seek out in this life brings true and lasting satisfaction and pleasure. The Bible even tells us that there are pleasures in sin (enjoyment to our flesh) but they are only for a season (a short period of time). Once the new wears off and the excitement starts fading, so does the pleasure that was once associated with it.

There is good news though. There is a place where you can find satisfaction that is real, pleasures that last and enjoyment that does not fade. It is found in Jesus Christ. The scripture says that we shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of His house. That speaks of having a relationship with Him. When people live in a house together, it is because there is some sort of relationship involved. Our satisfaction is found in having a relationship with the Lord.

The verse also uses the words fatness and river. These represent amounts- the amount in which He satisfies and gives pleasure. There is no little bit of satisfaction or pleasure found in the Lord- there is an abundance. That means there is more than enough to satisfy you throughout the rest of your life and on into eternity. He has an endless supply and He has made it available to you. So stop searching for true satisfaction, true contentment and joy in the things around, you will find them in the Lord and only in Him.

Have a great day. Our search for something to satisfy the emptiness in our soul is found in Jesus Christ.

For further reading:
Hebrews 11:25
Psalm 16:11
1 John 2:15-17

"Established By Trust"

"His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies." Psalm 112:8

I looked up the word "established" and discovered that in this verse it meant- to be upheld, sustained, aided, propped, unmoved. When fearful times come, we do not have to be afraid. When the enemy comes against us, we do not have to be afraid. When devastation comes, we do not have to be afraid. When everything rises against us, we do not have to be afraid. How is that possible? Because our heart is "established". It is upheld and propped up by our trust in the Lord. Therefore, these things do not have to move us. We can be unmovable during times that threaten to shake us to our very core. We can still have peace in the midst of the storm.

The three Hebrews were unmovable in their faith even when faced with the threat of being thrown into the fiery furnace. Daniel was unmovable in his faith when faced with the threat of the lion's den. Job, even though he questioned what was happening to him and why he was going through such calamity, was not moved in his heart though his world had collapsed around him. All of these faced great trials and were in life threatening situations, yet they were not afraid because their hearts were established in the Lord.

What does having an established heart mean to us? It means that we do not have to fear either. Why? Because our hearts and lives are upheld by the Lord. He is the One who keeps us; aids us; props us up; watches over us; delivers us from evil; preserves our lives and is with us always. Is your heart established in Him? Do you trust Him with your whole life? Do you rest in His ability to take care of you- no matter what? Do you know that He is in control of your life regardless of what may be coming against you? Do you rest in the knowledge that He loves you and is with you? When our hearts are established in our faith in Him, we will not be moved.

Have a great day. Is your heart established in the Lord?

For further reading:
Psalm 46:1-3; 37:17,34
Job 13:15
Isaiah 26:3

"My Shepherd"

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. " Psalm 23:1

I love this... "the Lord is MY shepherd". That's personal. The Psalmist didn't say He was their shepherd, or her shepherd, or his shepherd, or someone else's shepherd, (although He is to all who will place their faith in Him) he had an assurance that He was "his" shepherd on a personal level. There is so much comfort and peace that comes along with this knowledge. So many people have a hard time seeing the Lord on a personal level. But He is a personal God who wants to be personally involved in your life and have a personal relationship with you.

Because He is MY shepherd I know that He will take care of me- He will meet and supply all my need (I shall not want). He will restore my soul when I become faint. He will lead me, be with me when the enemy comes, anoint me with oil, He will bring me into places of rest, He will comfort me and keep His eyes upon me.

Can you say along with the Psalmist today that the Lord is "MY" shepherd? Do you know Him in this personal, intimate way? Is He leading your life? Are you following Him? Are you placing your life in His loving care? If not, today you can turn to Him and ask Him to be your Savior, your Lord and your Shepherd.

Have a great day. The Lord is MY shepherd- the overseer of my life.

For further reading:
Psalm 23

"Value"

"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?" Mark 14:3,4

A couple of days ago I gave this definition of value: "The value of something is determined by the price that one is willing to pay for it." In the account above this woman took her greatest possession and poured it out on Jesus. She did so completely and without reservation. She held nothing back. This bottle represented her future, her security, her wages, a lot of hard work, her savings, it was basically all she had. Yet she freely gave it up on Jesus. From our estimation, based on the definition of value as stated above, this woman highly valued Jesus- He was worth everything.

In this same account we see another group of people- the ones who sat by and watched as this woman poured out her best and all she had on Jesus. They didn't pour anything out on Him- they gave Him no gift, they laid nothing at His feet, they were there empty handed. All they had was criticism for what she did. Based, again, on this same definition of value, we can conclude not only by the fact that they gave Jesus nothing but by their remarks that they considered Him "valueless". They called what she did a "waste". They considered it a waste to pour such costly and precious ointment on Jesus. To say it was a waste to pour it on Jesus was saying that He was of no value- the only way you waste something is if you use it on something that has no value.

There were two groups of people represented in the verses above- those who value Jesus and those who don't. Which group are you in? Is He worth everything you have? Do you give Him your best, a little, the leftovers or just enough to get by? Do you consider it a waste of time to spend time in prayer and reading His word? Do you consider it a waste to support the work of His Kingdom with your time, money or talents? If so, then you are saying that He has no value, or very little. The other day I also said that He placed a high value on you because He gave up all He had for you- His life. There is no question about how highly He values you, the question is, "How highly do you value Him?".

Have a great day. How valuable Jesus is to you is determined by what you are willing to give to Him.

For further reading:
1 Corinthians 6:20
John 12:1-5

"Shall Follow Me"

"...He leadeth me ...." Psalm 23:2

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:2,3) Twice in these two verses it is said that the Lord leads us. He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep. The role of the Shepherd is to lead and the role of the sheep is to follow. It is not our place to do the leading- we can't. He is the leader, the one we are to follow. This is the charge that Jesus gives to those who would put their trust and faith in Him as Savior and Lord. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

We can make the choice to either follow Jesus and let Him be the leader, or we can choose to step in front of Him and take the lead ourselves. If we do the leading, we will always wind up going in the wrong direction, we will get ourselves into trouble and we will make a mess of our lives. (We have all seen the results that come from doing the leading- we have all done it at one time or other.) But when we will step back and let Jesus do the leading, we will reap a blessing, and a promise. He promises that if we will "follow Him", then He will cause something to "follow us"-- "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (verse 6)

As we are being led by Him, then His goodness and mercy follows our lives. What a wonderful promise! And not only does it follow us just today, but everyday ("all the days of my life"). When we surrender the lead of our lives to Him, there is nothing but benefits that come from it. We have Him making the decisions, rightly dividing our path before us, leading us in the right way, keeping us out from destruction, and we have His goodness and His mercy following us everywhere we go.

Have a great day. If we follow Him, then His goodness and mercy will follow us.

For further reading:
Proverbs 3:5,6
John 10:11,14, 27

"I Can Do It"

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5

If you have ever raised children you know how independent they can be. I saw it in my daughter when she was a little girl and I have seen it in my granddaughters. The thing that you notice in all little children is their "ability" to be able to "do it" regardless of what "it" is. They think they can do anything. My granddaughters tell me all the time, "I can do it". I start to help them with something and there reply is always, "I can do it". When a child says, "I can do it", what they are really saying is, "I don't need any help".

Like I said earlier, I have noticed this in little children, I have also noticed this in us as God's children. We often have this same independent spirit with Him. How many times have you been guilty of thinking that "you can do it"? I have. I have tried to solve problems on my own, tried to decide what direction I should take, tried to produce character in my life through my own ability and tried to crucify this flesh in my own strength- without God's help. I thought I could do it only to discover that I can't, and I discover that when I fall flat on my face after attempting it on my own. As much as we would like to think that we can do things on our own, as much as we would like to think that we are that smart, that strong, that talented, the truth is that without the Lord we are nothing and can do nothing. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being. There is a reason the verse reads, "I can do all things 'through Christ', which strengthens me." If I could do it on my own without His help, it would have simply stated that, "I can do all things."

The bottom line is that when when it comes to living the surrendered life, winning victories over the enemy and the flesh, when it comes to accomplishing the assignment we have been given and the work that we are to do, we need help- we need God's help. To think that we don't is prideful, stubborn and immature. Children finally do reach a point where they really "can do it" on their own in some areas, but you and I will never reach a point where we will not need God's help in everything.

Have a great day. We cannot do it independently of God, no matter what it is, we will always need His help.

For further reading:
Philippians 4:13
Acts 17:28
John 5:19

"Celebrate Me"

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you!" Luke 6:26a

I have heard a recurring message from ministers of the gospel that encourage you to go where you are "celebrated". They will tell you not to hang around people who don't celebrate who you are and what God is doing in your life. They are saying that you need to be around people who will applaud you and rejoice in you. And if you are around people who aren't doing that then find someone else who will. I need to correct something this morning, it is not about you or me! It is not about you being celebrated. It is not about men speaking well of you. It is not about them acknowledging you, your accomplishments, or who you are. As a matter of fact, the scriptures issue a warning about this very thing. We are warned not to seek the praise, approval or applaud of men.

We are already applauded by God. We are of great value to Him. It has been said that, "The value of something is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for it". Well, God was willing to pay the ultimate price for us- the blood and life of His only begotten Son Jesus. You can't get any more valuable than that. So I am not saying that we aren't valuable. I am saying that it is not about others applauding who we are. Instead, it is about our lives being to the praise and honor of Jesus. Every thing we do and say should point to Him. We should be doing all for His glory so that HE will be the One celebrated.

Why did He give us a warning on this subject? Seeking the approval of men can cause us to miss the approval of God. Seeking the applause of men helps further puff our flesh up and can set us up for a downfall because it is a breeding ground for pride. Desiring to be applauded by men robs the glory from God. How? Because anything that we are, anything that we do that is notable, anything good that we may have become, is all because of the grace and goodness of God, we didn't get there by ourselves or on our own.

Don't misunderstand. A word of encouragement is needed from time to time. Everyone needs a "pat on the back" sometimes. We should let people know when they are doing a "good job", the Bible does say to give honor to whom honor is due. But the focus is never on self and we should not live expecting and seeking applause. Jesus was not always celebrated or applauded, and often He was rejected and ridiculed instead- we won't be either.

Don't seek the applauds of men, instead seek to please the Father. Seek to glorify Him. Seek to lift Him up so that others will applaud Him. If we seek the applauds of men, then we have our reward- their applauds and that is all. But when we seek to see Jesus alone applauded through our lives, then great will be our reward in heaven- where it really counts.

Have a great day. Our desire should not be to be celebrated by men, but to live in such a way where our lives will cause others to celebrate Jesus.

For further reading:
Matthew 6:1-4
John 15:19-20
Ephesians 1:6,12
Acts 17:28
Psalm 100:3
Romans 13:7

"It Is Finished"

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." John 19:30

"It is finished". These were the last words of Jesus at the cross before He died. What was finished? Everything that had to be accomplished in order for us to be redeemed from our sins. Every price that had to be paid. Every prophecy that had to be fulfilled. It was finished. It was completed. There was nothing else left to do and nothing was left undone. Jesus did not start the work of redeeming mankind and stop before it was finished. He didn't take care of a part of it and will finish the rest later. He did what He came to do and He did all of it. He drank every last dreg of the cup that was given to Him.

"It is finished". He finished the work of providing and purchasing the gift of eternal that could now be made available to us. But He also "finished" providing everything that we need in order to have abundant life. He has given us everything that we need to live a victorious life over sin, self and the enemy. He has provided it all- it is finished, there is nothing left that we need. He has given us His Spirit, His word, battle attire and weapons that are powerful enough to pull down strongholds, access to Him for help in time of trouble, His peace and every good and perfect gift.

Everything that we need in order to have eternal life was provided. Everything that we needed to be able to live out that life while we are still here on earth was provided. He took care of it all- from beginning to end, and everything in between.

There is nothing else that is needed in order for you to be saved- Jesus paid the price for your salvation in full. There is nothing else that you need in order to live a victorious life- Jesus paid the full price for that as well. So use the provisions that He has given you and walk in abundant life.

Have a great day. It is finished--- all of it!

For further reading:
John 10:10
Matthew 26:39
James 1:17
Hebrews 4:16
2 Corinthians 2:14

"The Name of Jesus"

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12

You can talk about God, or you can talk about the gods that different religions worship and call them by name, but the trouble starts when you talk about the name of Jesus- that is taboo and unacceptable in our society and world. In short, they don't want you talking about Jesus- the devil doesn't want you talking about Jesus.

Well, this morning, I am going to talk about Him. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Beginning and the End. By Him and for Him all things exist, without Him nothing would have been made that is made. There is salvation in no other name but the name of Jesus. Jesus was the One who was lifted up so that men could be saved. He is the door that leads to eternal life. There is life in His name. His name is a strong tower that the righteous can run into and find safety. At the name of Jesus demons tremble and flee. Sickness bows, disease bows, oppression bows, broken heats are mended, captives are set free and strong holds are broken. His name is magnified above every other name. And at His name one day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.

This morning, I am confessing now, not waiting for that day, that Jesus is Lord! In this battle that is being waged against the name of Jesus, you better settle it in your heart now that He is Lord and that you will not deny His name. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted and even giving their lives because they will not deny His name. That may be a scary thought to some, but there is good news attached to it for those who will stand upon and not deny His name. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Mathew 10:32) How wonderful to have Jesus Himself say your name to the Father because you did not refuse to say His name and proclaim that He is the Lord before men!

Have a great day. Don't stop lifting Jesus up; there is power in His name, and His alone!

For further reading:
Acts 16:18
Romans 14:11
Philippians 2:11
Proverbs 18:10
Colossians 1:13-18
John 1:3

"Terms and Conditions"

"Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." Luke 18:22

If you have ever entered into an agreement with someone, some business or signed up for some promotion, you always have to agree to the "terms and conditions". Each website that you sign up on to join, each promotion you want to take advantage of, every contest that you enter, all have terms and conditions. If in filling out your information you neglect to check the terms and conditions box saying that you have read them and agree with them, when you submit it, it will send you a message instantly reminding you and your request will not be submitted until you do.

The Lord also has "terms and conditions" for us to follow. But like the rich young ruler we want to set our own terms. We want to join ourselves to Him on our own conditions. Setting your own terms doesn't work and is not acceptable in the business world, with online promotions, or in any other agreement, even in marriage there are terms and conditions- it's called vows. If it is not acceptable in the physical world, why do we think it is acceptable in our dealing with God? Why do we think that "man" won't allow it, but God will?

Trying to set our own terms with God carries consequences. It will keep us out of the Kingdom and we won't enter in, it will bring chaos and confusion to our lives, it will bring the chastisement of the Lord upon us, it will rob us of peace, joy, blessings and victory.

Does this describe you this morning? Are you trying to get to the Lord on your own terms? Are you trying to live for Him according to your own conditions? It won't work. He has set the "rules" and they require that you come to Him and live according to His terms. Anything else He will not accept.

Have a great day. God has His own set of terms and conditions, and if we are going to come to Him and follow Him we must agree to them and not try to set our own.

For further reading:
Luke 18:18-23; Matthew 19:17-21
John 10:9

"Bigger, Brighter Lights"

"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." Isaiah 60:2

This scripture speaks of a time when there will be great darkness upon the earth. This is a spiritual darkness. I personally believe that we are beginning to experience such a time. Morality has become almost non-existent. Crime, violence, hate, murder, revenge, theft- which all have their roots in a spiritual condition- are on the increase. People are doing what is right in their own eyes. Absolutes are being attacked. Wrong is now right, and right is now wrong, and both are being completely redefined. The world is in darkness and it seems to be getting darker all the time.

There is a cure for darkness, it's called "light". Light always overcomes and expels darkness. Even the smallest light can overcome darkness. While a little light is better than no light at all, bigger, brighter lights would be much better- the bigger and brighter, the less the darkness.

So if light is the cure for the world's darkness, then there needs to be some shining lights. Where will these lights come from? Jesus told us plainly that "we are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). We are to be shining as lights in a dark world. Where do we get our light? It comes from Jesus- "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:16,17) "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5) Jesus is The Light, and while He was on earth the people saw a great light. Now that He is not walking among us, should the people see any less of a light? Should the light be any dimmer? The light of Jesus in us is only dimmed as we hide it. Are you hiding His light this morning? Is it in plain view for all to see? Is it bright and expelling much darkness? Are you making room for Jesus' light to shine brightly through you by surrendering yourself to Him more completely? The world is in darkness, but we have the light that will expel the darkness. The question is- are we letting the light of Christ shine brightly through us? If we aren't shining- big and bright- then the world will continue to sit in darkness.

Have a great day. Is the light of Jesus shining brightly or dimly through your life?

For further reading:
Matthew 5:14-16
John 12:36
Ephesians 5:8
1 Thessalonians 5:5

"Time For Battle"

"And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all." 1 Samuel 30:8

When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they discovered that the enemy had come and destroyed their homes and taken their families captive. There were two things that David did in his time of trial that I want to address this morning.

When the enemy is attacking, when you are being tormented in soul, when sin is waging war against you, when you feel as if you can't keep going on and all hope is gone, it is not a time to sit down, give up or do nothing. There comes a time when you have to do the same two things that David when he was under attack.

The first thing he did was encourage himself in the Lord. "And David was greatly distressed... but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:6) It may seem as though God is no where around. You may feel as if He has abandoned you. You may feel as if He is angry with you and has stopped listening to your cries. You may even feel that this is His fault and that He has not been faithful to His promise to you. If you are feeling that way- stop! Instead, encourage yourself in Him- in who He is, in His character, in His promises. Seek Him as did David. He has not abandoned nor forsaken you. He has not shut His ears to your cries, His eyes are still upon you, His hand is still outstretched to save you.

The second thing David did was to pursue. You must do the same- pursue! Get up, stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop sitting there with a defeated attitude, don't give up! There comes a time when we must do battle against the enemy that is warring against our soul. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. We have been equipped for battle with full armor. We have the Spirit of God to lead us into battle strategies. We have already been promised victory because Jesus already won the victory.

When David faced his greatest trial, he could have given up and given in, but he went before God and then he went after the enemy. It was not a time to do nothing, but a time to do battle. Too often we give up too easily against the enemy. We have laid down our battle array. We have allowed those fiery darts to defeat us and have not even raised a finger to do anything about it. If this is you this morning, get up. Put on your battle attire and pursue. Go to the enemy's camp and take back what he has stolen from you.

Have a great day. There comes a time when you have to get violent with the enemy of your soul and take back what he has stolen.

For further reading:
Ephesians 6:10-17
1 Samuel 30
Matthew 11:12
1 John 5:4
2 Corinthians 4:10

"He Overcame"

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"I have overcome the world." When Jesus walked the earth as a man, He faced the same temptations we face. He was tempted in every area we are tempted- the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. He was tempted to hold grudges, receive offense, give in to bitterness, be unforgiving. He was tempted to gossip and talk about others. He was tempted to follow His own desires. There was no area that He wasn't tempted in.

Yet in the times of temptation He did not yield to the temptations. He did not give in to them. He, at the cross, became sin but He knew no sin. He did not know it from first hand experience. Reason number one is because He was born sinless. Reason number two was because He never gave into sin's temptations- He did not indulge in sin.

That is good news for us! He overcame showing us that it can be done. He overcame and then left us the example to follow so that we can overcome. He overcame and left us His Spirit and His word to show us how He did it. He overcame and left His victory with us so that we can overcome. Remember the next time that you are tempted that Jesus has already gotten the victory for you in all areas and you do not have to give into sin. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (John 4:4)

Have a great day. He overcame the temptations of sin and through Him so can we.

For further reading:
1 John 2:16; 3:5
1 Peter 2:21-24
1 Corinthians 15:57
Hebrews 4:15

"Renewed In Hearing"

"Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 7:13

We say we want to hear from the Lord, but do we really? How many times has the Lord spoken to your heart but you ignored what He said or pretended that you did not hear? Eight different times in His earthly ministry Jesus admonished the people to "have ears to hear". I thought it was interesting that He used that same phrase eight times- the number eight represents new beginnings; newness. (I see a message within His message to "have ears to hear".)

The Lord desires to speak to His people, and we need to learn how to listen and heed what He is saying. When He speaks, it is for our good- even when He says something that we don't necessarily want to hear. God always has a reason for everything He says.

But also, hearing what He is saying when you are going through a difficult time is like a breath of fresh air- it gives renewed hope, renewed faith, renewed peace and renewed strength. When David and his men arrived at Ziklag and found their homes destroyed and families gone, they were so distressed that they cried until they couldn't cry any more. David went before the Lord and sought for a word from Him. The Lord spoke to David and gave Him instructions concerning what he should do in this situation. After David heard from the Lord his strength and hope was renewed and he went forth and regained all that the enemy had stolen.

When we hear from the Lord in the problems that we face, there is something that happens in us- that something is a renewing of hope that says it is possible; a renewed faith that cries out, "this is not impossible for God"; a renewed strength to stand firm and not wavier; a renewed peace that all is well because He is with me; and a renewed joy to continue on.

Have a great day. Hear what He is saying, there is something "new" attached to it.

For further reading:
1 Samuel 30
Matthew 11:15; 13:43
Luke 5:4-6

"Come"

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17

Throughout all the ages (from Genesis to Revelation) the Lord God has expressed the desire for us to come to Him. And not only has He expressed this desire, He has made Himself accessible and approachable so that we can come to Him. He has provided the way into His presence and invites us to come.

If you are tired and thirsty- come to Him and He will give you living waters so that you will never thirst again. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)

If you are heavy ladened, burdened down with a load of cares- come to Him and He will give you rest. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

If you lare iving in sin, He invites you to come and let Him wash them away. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

If you are hungry, He invites you to come and dine in His presence. "Come and dine." (John 21:12)

Though these invitations have been given, and the way provided, it is still up to you as to whether you will come to Him or not.

One day there will be another invitation given to come and inherit the Kingdom. This invitation will be given to those who have accepted His other invitations while they were here on earth. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:34) Will you be one of them?

Are you accepting His invitations to come to Him? Don't refuse or reject them. Accept His invitation of salvation, of strength, of help, of grace and of everything else you need. "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)

Have a great day. His greatest desire is for you to come to Him- the invitation has been given and the way provided.

For further reading:
John 6:35; 4:14

"The Process"

"By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land." Exodus 23:30

While speaking to the Israelites in the wilderness concerning their entering into the promised land, the Lord told them that He was going to drive the other nations out of the land little by little. He was not going to drive them all out at one time. It would be by the conquering of one city after another. Could God drive them all out at once? Sure He could, but He was not going to. He was going to do it through a process.

At salvation there is something that takes place in our lives right then- we become a new creation. But that is only the beginning, from there we go through a process. God could totally deliver us from all the vain imaginations of our heart, from the lusts of the flesh, from our flawed thinking, but He doesn't. The destruction of our biggest enemy (our own flesh) and transformation into the likeness of Christ, takes place through a process- a daily process of denying self, of renewing our mind and of presenting ourselves before the Lord as living sacrifices.

How nice it would be if He would just instantaneously change at salvation all the things about us that have to be put to death. But instead we have to do that on a daily basis as we encounter each one. So today, remember that you are in a process and every "enemy" you encounter has to be dealt with then and "driven out".

Have a great day. We are in a process- I must decrease and He must increase.

For further reading:
Exodus 23:25-31
John 3:30
Romans 8:13

"Follow Me"

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

When Jesus said to, "Follow Me", He also said that there would be a cross to bear involved. In modern day Christianity we have a "one-sided" view of what it means to "follow" Jesus. We want to follow Him for the blessings and what He can do for us, like the multitudes that followed Him did while He was here on earth. "And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole." (Mark 6:56)

We want to follow Him in the works. We want to do the same works He did- miracles, heal the sick, teach, preach, minister. We want to follow His power. We want to follow in the glory. We want to be used in the gifts of the Spirit. And this seems to be our whole focus and desire when it comes to following Him. But there is more to following Jesus than what we consider the "glamorous" side of ministry- this is only one side of following Him.

There was a reason why Jesus said that those who would follow Him would also bear a cross. There is no gospel without the cross. There can be no discipleship without the cross. Jesus bore a cross and we do too.

So what does it mean to "follow Him"? It means to follow Him down the same path He walked. We are to follow Him on the path of obedience, the path of suffering, the path of sacrifice and self-denial. It is a path that surrenders to the will of God no matter what it cost us- “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39b- NIV) Following Him means that we will suffer pain, rejection and sorrow. And eventually it will mean death- death to self-- self-will, self-desire, self-ambition, self-love.

When you say you are a follower of Jesus, what do you mean? Do you mean that you are following His blessings, His power, His glory, His works? Or are you following Him by following Him to the cross as well?

Have a great day. What kind of follower are you?

For further reading:
Mark 10:21; 37-39
Hebrews 5:8

Philippians 3:10