"Immediate Obedience"

"And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." Matthew 4:22 

I have always thought it was interesting that when Jesus called these disciples to follow Him they immediately did. They didn't delay in doing so. They didn't go and pray about it. They didn't take their time trying to decide if this was what they should or shouldn't do. They didn't procrastinate. They didn't wait until all the conditions seemed right. They didn't make excuses. They immediately followed Him.

 

How quick are we to obey when the Lord speaks to us? Do we wait? Do we debate? Do we obey when it is convenient for us? Do we try to reason it out and then make the decision? Or do we, as the old hymn saying... trust and obey... and do what He says?

 

There are two forms of disobedience. The first is just simply "don't do it"- which is rebellion. The other is "delayed obedience". Delayed obedience is the same as disobedience. Our obedience is a serious matter to the Lord. It was disobedience that cased mankind's fall in the garden. Jesus even spoke about it in a parable in Luke 14. 

 

How is your obedience? Are you quick to obey? Do you "drag your feet" in obeying? Are you immediate about it? Or do you do it in your own timing and when you get around to it?

 

Have a great day. Is your obedience to God immediate or do you take your time about it?

 

For further reading:

Luke 14:16-24

1 Samuel 15:22

"Seated"

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" Ephesians 2:4-6

One day those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will literally for all eternity sit with Him in heaven. But for now, we are only spiritually seated with Him there. While this can have several different perspectives as to its meaning, one aspect I would like to focus on this morning is the heavenly places. 

In those heavenly places there is no sickness, no disease, no fear, no emotional problems, no lack, no anxiety, no depression, no anger, no bitterness, no jealousy, no condemnation, no addictions, no bondages, etc..  If we are seated with Him there, then why are we so bound and burdened down with all the things that I have named? Why aren't we walking in the abundant life He came to give us? Why aren't we living victoriously over these things?

Don't get me wrong, I understand that we live in a "fallen" world and there are trials, tribulations, problems, testing, temptations, suffering and affliction. But for the most part we live too attached to the natural world and forget that we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. We suffer more than we should be. We have accepted the natural and forgotten about the spiritual. We have forgotten the promises of God, the power of God and the provision of God. He has provided all we need to live above (heavenly places) and not beneath (worldly places). He has provided the power, the grace, the faith, the help and His presence. 

Let's refocus and remember where we are seated. And start appropriating the heavenly blessings and victories that have been given to us through our Gracious Lord. 

Have a great day. Where are you seated? 

"Inventory Your Words"

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 

Because our tongues have the potential to speak words of life or words of death, we need to take inventory of our words often. What are you saying? What words are you speaking?

 

You can use your mouth to speak life. How? By speaking words of faith. By speaking words that are kind, encouraging and gracious. By speaking words of peace and contentment. By speaking clean, pure words. We speak life when we use our mouth to testify to the goodness of God, when we give Him praise, adoration and thanksgiving.

 

You can use your mouth to speak death. How? By speaking words of doubt, fear and unbelief. By complaining and criticizing. By speaking words that are rude, degrading, insulting and belittling. By yelling, cursing, scolding, lying, condemning and arguing. 

 

There is a saying that I am sure you have heard- "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me". It gives the impression that words are only words and have no power to harm. This is not true. Our words can do more damage than the sticks and stones. They wound on the inside. They can wound so deeply that the scars from them can be carried around for years. 

 

Do you want to use your words to bring life or death? Take inventory and see which they are doing. Are they the cause or the cure?

 

Have a great day. We need to take inventory regularly of our words to make sure that we have more words of life in us than of death. 

 

For further reading:

Proverbs 15:4; 16:24; 31:26

James 3:4-6

 

"God's Word Is Truth"

"Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way." Psalm 119:128 

How do you feel about the Word of God? That may seem like a strange question but if we don't think correctly about it we will always be lacking in the area of truth and an open target for deception. 

 

Do you accept it as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Do you doubt that it is inerrant? Do you believe certain parts of it but not others? Do you believe that it is the infallible Word of God given to us by Him? Do you believe that it is the only truth and everything else that is contrary is a lie? Do you believe that it is absolute truth? Do you believe you should be following it?

 

How do you feel about teachings, opinions and philosophies that are contrary to the Bible's teachings? Do you believe there is room for them both- the Word of God and the other? Do you believe that it is all right to compromise its teachings in certain situations? Do you believe the Word of God is just one of many books of truth? 

 

If you question the validity of the Word of God and do not put your trust in it as The Truth, you will always struggle and live your life in confusion. You will never have a firm foundation to stand upon. You will be tossed around with every wind of doctrine like an unanchored ship in a storm. You will be like a foolish man who builds his house upon the sand.

 

If you are confused, if you are struggling, if you are uncertain concerning the absolute fact that the Word of God is all truth and the only true source of truth, then it is time that you settle it in your own heart so that you can live your life like a wise man who built his house upon a rock.

 

Have a great day. How do you feel about the Word of God? 

 

For further reading:

Matthew 7:24-27

John 17:17

Ephesians 4:14,15

2 Timothy 4:3,4

"Consider What You Are Praying"

"When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed." Ecclesiastes 5:4 

Before we make our requests to God we should consider carefully what we say. Many people will make vows to Him in return for an answer in their favor. Perhaps at one time or other we all have. You know the vows I am talking about-- "Lord, if you just do this, I will serve you all the days of my life."; "If You will answer this way I will never drink again."; "Etc". 

 

Some vows are spoken in the heat of the moment, in the urgency of the need, in a time of desperation, but they are spoken nevertheless, and when they are, God hears them. And when He hears them, He expects you to keep your word.

 

Jephthah made a vow to God during a critical time in Israel's history. He vowed that if God would let them win the battle over Ammon, he would offer as a sacrifice to God what came out of his house to meet him when he returned home from the battle. His daughter was the first one to come out of the house to meet him. You have to wonder, "What was he thinking? What did he think would come out of his house?"

 

This is what I mean by giving careful consideration to what you are requesting and "bargaining" with God about. Don't be foolish in your conversation and request to Him. Think about what you are saying. Don't just "throw words" out there to Him. Let your prayers have substance to them. Consider fully what you are asking. Don't just say something because it sounds good or even "spiritual". Just simply think about your conversation with God.

 

Have a great day. Are you giving any thought to your prayer requests to God? Or are you just making bargains you can't keep?

 

For further reading:

Judges 11

Matthew 6:7

 

"Pleasing God"

"No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:4 

There are a lot of things in this life that want our attention. There is always so much to do- whether it is something that is part of our responsibilities, something that we do for pleasure or a cause that we are pursuing. The most important thing to remember in doing anything, is that your first priority is to please the Lord.

 

Is what you are doing pleasing to Him? Are the things you are involved in pleasing to Him? Are you spending your time on that which pleases you or others but is not pleasing to Him? 

 

We live in a world where everything is about "me". We have the mentality that the "universe centers around me". It is all about making "me" happy and doing what "I" want. Let me correct that way of thinking this morning. It is not all about "me", it is about "Him". I know, that seems so old fashioned and outdated to say that, but it is the truth-- always has been, always will be regardless of what society says. Our number one priority, our goal, our heart's desire should always be first and far most to please the Lord.

 

"For I do always those things that please him." (John 8:29b) Jesus had one goal while He was here on earth-- to please the Father. And He did, always, and in everything, including His death on the cross. When we live our lives with this same mentality, we are being a little more transformed to look like Jesus in this world. 

 

So again, what are you living for? To please the Lord or to please yourself?

 

Have a great day. Our heart's desire should be to please the Lord above everything and everyone else-- ourselves included.

 

For further reading:

Matthew 6:33

2 Timothy 3:4

Colossians 1:10

"Forgetting God"

"They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt." Psalm 106:21 

When Israel was in a time of crisis, when they were in captivity, when they were under threats by their enemies, they would turn to the Lord to save them, deliver them and help them. In His loving mercy He would come to their rescue. He would fight for them, He would turn their captivity, He would bring them deliverance. After He came through for them, they would forget Him and go back to their own self-centered ways. 

 

Does that sound familiar? They weren't the only ones who did that. It happens today. There are those professing to be Christians (His people) who do the same thing. When they are in a crisis situation, when things are going badly for them, when they are in a place of difficulty, when they are having problems, when they are in trouble, they pray to the Lord for help. They begin to seek Him to deliver them and make everything right. Because He does not change- He is forever the same (loving and merciful)- He hears and answers their prayers and comes to their aid. He gives them the help that they desired, and all is well again. After the problem has been solved and the crisis is over, they go about their own way again, forgetting the God who got them through it.

 

Why is that? You would think that instead of forgetting Him after the crisis has past and He has moved on your behalf, it would make you want to draw even closer to Him. When you see what He has done for you, it should make you love Him even more. When you reflect on the fact that everything worked out because of His goodness to you, it should make you so thankful that you wanted to continue to seek Him. Where is the gratitude? Where is the appreciation? Where is the thankfulness? If it is not there, then we are no more than "users" and "takers", selfish and self-centered. We are like spoiled children who got what they wanted and that was all that matter. 

 

The Lord answered you and worked on your behalf because He loves you. He has a heart for you. When we have no gratitude for what He has done- which seems evident if we neglect Him when the crisis is over- then where is our heart for Him? Can we truly say we love Him? Can we truly say we are His people?

 

Have a great day. After God delivers you from your crisis, does it draw you closer to Him? Or do you forget about Him once He has come through for you?

 

For further reading:

Psalm 106

Psalm 78 

"Seeking Answers"

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 

"Come unto Me". He didn't say go to your best friend, run to the phone, look to your employer, your accountant, or any one of the numerous other places we tend to go and seek out help when we are in need. He said to come to Him.

 

When we go to other people hoping that they will solve our problems or give us our answers, we will still lack in receiving the help that we need. All they can do for us is give us their own imperfect wisdom and advice in the matter. They can help come up with a temporary solution, but they can't give us what we truly need. They don't have that type of understanding. They don't have that type of knowledge. They don't see the whole picture or know what the future holds.

 

Am I saying that we should never talk to one another or have some counsel? Of course not. What I am saying is that if we are looking to people for our answers we are looking in the wrong place. They might can advise us. They might can speak to us from their realm of expertise but when it comes right down to it, only God can give us clear and true direction. We can take what they say into consideration, but then we have to seek the Lord for our answer and guidance. 

 

So, who are you going to? Are you going to the Lord? Are you going to other people? Are you going to both? Which one are you allowing to influence your decision and answer in the end?

 

Have a great day. It is not wrong to ask for advice, but in the end, it is the counsel of the Lord that you need to follow- not man's.

 

For further reading:

Proverbs 3:5,6

2 Chronicles 26:5

Psalm 33:11

Bowing

I am sorry I did not get the Coffee Break out yesterday. I just needed some time away from the computer yesterday morning.

"Bowing"

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Psalm 95:6

 

To bow before someone or something is an act of worship, adoration, submission or reverence. The verse above it is talking about bowing to the Lord. But the Lord is not the only one we can bow our knee to. The Israelites were constantly bowing their knee to Baal and other false gods as well as to the Lord.

 

Who or what are you bowing your knee to? What are you worshipping? Are you bowing it to God alone or other things besides Him? Are you "floundering" in your bowing-- bowing to Him for a while, then to some other thing for a while, then back and forth between the two? 

 

You may say that you aren't bowing your knee to anything but God. Let's see. You can bow your knee to the god of entertainment by setting in front of the television or computer games for longer than you spend time with the Lord. What about bowing your knee to gluttony? Are you bowing your knee to pride- always having to be seen and acknowledged? Are you bowing your knee to self-will? Are you bowing your knee to the demands of others, placing them above your relationship with God?

 

There are many things out there that we can bow our knee to in submission and worship that are "false gods". When we do, it is taking our worship from the One who alone is worthy of it. 

 

Have a great day. What are you bowing your knee to? 

 

For further reading:

1 Kings 18:21

Exodus 20:3

Luke 4:8

"Sobering Words"

"Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh." Genesis 18:15 

When the Lord said that Sarah was going to bear a child in her old age, she laughed. The scripture above was His response to her response. (It is what I call a "sobering word".) It is when God speaks to you in a serious manner to get your attention. He did this also with the prophet Samuel who was mourning God's rejection of King Saul. "And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?" (1 Samuel 16:1a)

 

When God spoke these "sobering" words to Sarah, it was when He was ready to fulfill His promise and bring her into her role in it. "Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." (Genesis 18:14) When He spoke those "sobering" words to Samuel, it was when He was ready to have Samuel anoint a new king of Israel. "fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons." (1 Samuel 16:1b)

 

When God is ready to take us to the next level, or fulfill His purpose through us, or bring us into our destiny, He will confront us with a "sobering word". Those words are intended to get us refocused from what we see with our natural eyes and begin to look through the eyes of faith. They are intended to change our fleshly, carnal thinking and renew our mind. They are intended to get us looking at God and not at the situation around us. 

 

Sarah was looking at her age and her inability. He spoke a sobering word to remind her that with God nothing is impossible. Afterwards, "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11) Samuel was looking through the eyes of grief at the failure of Saul. When God spoke a sobering word to him, by faith he anointed the next king of Israel. These "sobering words" came and they were brought into their next level of destiny-- Sarah gave birth to the child of promise and Samuel anointed the king through whose lineage the Messiah would be born. 

 

Have you been looking at things through the eyes of the flesh? Are you focused on natural things? If God speaks a "sobering word" to you-- a word of correction, a word to refocus your thoughts-- take heed and listen. He is preparing you to take you to your next level of destiny.

 

Have a great day. When God is ready to take us to the next level of our destiny, He will speak a word that will get our attention.

 

For further reading:

Genesis 21:1-7

1 Samuel 16:1-13 

"The Keys To Freedom"

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 16:19a 

A few days ago, we talked about Jesus having the authority to set us free from the prison/bondage of sin. Once He sets us free, we are free indeed. But we have an adversary who is continually trying to put us into bondage/prison again. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. 

 

He tries to make us a captive to condemnation, shame and guilt over the mistakes that we make. He tries to put us in a prison of bitterness. He wants to bind us up in bitterness because things didn't go the way we had planned. He wants to put us in a prison of unforgiveness-- unforgiveness toward someone who did us wrong. He tries to put us in a prison of fear- fear of failure, fear of people, fear of the unknown. There are many emotional and spiritual prisons that he tries to make us a captive to.

 

Not only has Jesus set us free from the prison of sin, but He has provided freedom from every one of the prisons the enemy/devil tries to put us in. There was a television program that I used to watch when I was growing up-- The Andy Griffith show. At the sheriff's office they had two jail cells. Between the two cells there was a peg on the wall that held the keys to the cells. Any prisoner could easily reach the keys and unlock his cell. (Otis the town drunk did this often and let himself out when he was ready to leave.) 

 

When we find ourselves in these prisons, Jesus has placed the keys- not only in reach- but He has placed them in our hands. We have been given the keys that unlock the prison doors. (The key of His word, His promises, His presence, the power of His Holy Spirit, prayer, and repentance.) Therefore, we are free indeed. Free from the prison of sin we were born in and free from the prisons that the enemy tries to put us in. 

 

If you are in a prison this morning, why? You can get out. Like on the television program, the keys are right there. They are within easy access. Jesus placed them in your hands and wants you to use them. You do not have to stay a prisoner any longer-- Jesus frees us from all prisons. Whoever Jesus sets free is free indeed.

 

Have a great day. Jesus sets the captive free and then He gives them the keys to the prison so they can stay free.

 

For further reading:

Romans 3:23

John 10:10; 8:36
Isaiah 22:22

"Now"

"And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." Exodus 3:14 

God didn't tell Moses to tell the children of Israel that "He Was That He Was" sent him; or that "He Will Be Who He Will Be". God's name I Am is a present tense name- not past or future.

I want to remind you this morning that while God will be with you no matter what you go through in the future, He is with you now. 

I Am your strength now.

I Am your Deliverer now.

I Am your Provider now. 

 

He is a God of the now. So, look for Him and to Him now in the situation you are facing-- He is there.

 

Have a great day. God is a now God--- present now.

 

For further reading:

Psalm 46:1; 23:4

Exodus 33:14

"Jailbreak"

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36 

When a person is incarcerated, the only way they can get out of prison is if someone who has the authority to release them lets them out. If they try to get out any other way it is called a "jailbreak". Their crime has not been pardoned and they have not been released. They are a fugitive. 

 

Each and every person born on earth is a "prisoner"-- a prisoner of sin. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) We are all being held captive. The only way we can be set free is if someone who has the authority to do so releases us. Thankfully, there is someone. His name is Jesus. He came to set the captive free and open the prison door to all who are bound. He holds the keys that open the door so that we can be set free from sin's captivity and its punishment. 

 

When Jesus sets us free, He gives us a full pardon and declares us "not guilty". When we try to free ourselves, it is called a jailbreak. So many are trying to break out of the prison of sin through their own goodness, good works or religious deeds. It won't work. You are still a guilty person. Only Jesus has the authority to release you and forgive your sins. There is no other way. 

 

If you are still in the prison of sin, if you are still being held captive, there is nothing you can do to get out on your own. But Jesus is waiting to set you free if you will but call upon Him and turn to Him. He has the power and the authority to set you totally free.

 

Have a great day. The only way out of prison is by being released by someone who has the authority to release you. The only way to get out of the prison of sin is through Jesus- He alone has the authority to set the captive free.

 

For further reading:

Romans 5:12

Ephesians 2:8,9

John 10:9

Titus 3:5

Revelation 1:18

Luke 4:18

"Praise Him Afterwards"

"Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord." Psalm 118:26 

The next time we see this verse in the scriptures is during Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. "And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." (Matthew 21:9)

 

At that time the people were rejoicing, blessing and praising Jesus. They were praising Him as the king they believed who would come to set them free and reestablish them as a nation. They were praising Him because of what they believed He was going to do. Can't we praise Him for what He has already done? We are so slack in our praise and worship to Him. He has done great and marvelous things for us, and we take it so lightly or for granted.

 

He shed His blood for you so that you can be saved. He took your punishment upon Himself so that you would not have to face the wrath of God. He has made you a joint heir in His kingdom. He has given you miracles after miracles through protection, healing and provision. He has shown you such abundant grace and mercy. So where is your praise? Again, they praised Him for what they believed He was going to do, can't we at least praise Him for what He has already done for us?

 

Have a great day. If you can't praise Him before you see Him move on your behalf, can't you a least praise Him after He has?

 

For further reading:

Psalm 107:8,15,21, 31; 126:2

"Our Footprints"

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 

Yesterday is gone, there is nothing we can do to change it. And we are not promised tomorrow. All we have is today. What are you going to do with today- this day- that you have been given? What kind of "footprint" are you going to leave behind when the day is finished? Better yet, what kind of footprint are you going to leave behind for Jesus?

 

Everywhere we walk, we leave a physical footprint. It may be visible or it may be invisible, but it is there nevertheless. The footprint is evidence that we have been there. As we walk the road of life, we are leaving a footprint as well. We are leaving something behind us that is a reminder we were there. The question again is, "what kind of footprint are you leaving?"

 

Are you leaving a footprint of bitterness and anger? Are you leaving a footprint of grace and goodness? When Jesus left the disciples that were on the road to Emmaus, they asked the question, "Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?" (Luke 24:32) Jesus left a footprint on their hearts- a burning and yearning for more of Him. 

 

Jesus left His footprints everywhere He went. He left His footprint of peace and power in the boat when He calmed the sea. He left His footprint of truth when He spoke in the temple. He left His footprint of grace and mercy when He forgave the woman caught in the act of adultery. He left His footprint of healing in Pilate's judgment hall. He left His footprint of salvation on the road from Jerusalem to Calvary's hill. 

 

The word Christian means "Christ-like". As Christians we are Jesus' representative here on earth. When they see us, they should be able to see Him. So as we walk through this life we should be leaving His "footprints" everywhere we go. Footprints of compassion, grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, peace, etc. Are those the footprints you are leaving behind after the day is over?

 

Have a great day. We are all leaving footprints behind us. Do the footprints you leave look like the same ones that Jesus has left?

 

For further reading:

Philippians 3:13

Matthew 16:24

1 John 4:17

 

"What's Your Sound?"

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

This morning when I woke up the first sound I heard was a bird chirping outside of my window. Of course, I had no idea what it was "saying", but it was such a pleasant, happy sound to wake up to. 

 

What was the first sound others heard from you this morning? Was it the sound of praise? Was it a sound of joy? Was it the sound of thanksgiving? Or was it the sound of complaining, fussing or arguing? Did they hear hurtful, critical, bitter or angry words from you? 

 

As humans we face difficulties, pain and hard times. Things are not always pleasant or perfect in our lives. But if we are a child of God, should there be any words other than praise and thanksgiving coming from our mouths? After all, like it has been said often, "We have so much to be thankful for". Even when life is at its worse, we can still open our mouths and give God praise for all the wonderful things and blessings He has sent our way. (Which, if I might add, far out way the bad things.) 

 

Jesus said that if we don't praise Him the rocks would cry out-- they would begin to speak and give Him praise. I don't know about you, but even on my worse days, I don't want a rock praising Him in my place. He has been tooooooo good to me for me to allow that to happen. I am going to "out praise" the rocks. He loves me, He gave His life for me, He has a home prepared for me. Even if nothing else is working in my favor, that is more than enough to praise Him for. Therefore, no rock is going to give Him the praise He deserves to receive from me... and neither is a bird.

 

Have a great day. What sounds/ words are people hearing from you? 

 

For further reading:

Luke 19:40

Matthew 21:16

Psalm 107:8, 15, 21,31; 33:1; 147:1

"The Lord Is My Helper"

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6 

"The Lord is my helper". He helps us when we are weak by making us strong. He helps us when we don't know what to do by giving us wisdom. He helps us when we are confused by giving us peace. He helps us when we have lost our way to find it. He helps us to resist temptations by making a way of escape.

 

He helps us climb the mountain, walk through the valley, navigate through the wilderness, rejoice in the fire, be at peace in the lion's den and have courage when we face the giants. 

 

It was interesting that when I looked up the word "helper" in the dictionary, one of the definitions that it gave was: an extra locomotive attached to a train at the front, middle, or rear, especially to provide extra power for climbing a steep grade. The Lord is no ordinary helper. He is powerful like a locomotive-- but more powerful than a million locomotives. With His power behind us, with His power in front of us, with His power right there in the middle of our situation, there is nothing that we can't do. There is nothing that can stand in our way. There is nothing that is too big for us. There is nothing that we can't make it through. There is nothing that is more powerful than we are, because it is the Lord that is helping us... and nothing is too big, too strong or too difficult for Him. 

 

Have a great day. When God is helping you, you have all the power you need therefore you can't fail! 

 

For further reading:

Jeremiah 32:27

Philippians 4:13

Deuteronomy 20:4

1 John 4:4

 

"Make A U Turn"

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works..." Revelations 2:5a

We hear a lot about breakthroughs in the Christian community. There are times when we all need a breakthrough-- something needs to change, we need to go past where we are, we need to see something happening in our lives, we feel hemmed in and need to have freedom. We look forward to a breakthrough that will take us where we hope to go and get us out of where we are. 

The thing about breakthroughs is we are always looking for God to bring them to us supernaturally. We expect Him to intervene and instantly miraculously we have a sudden breakthrough. And many times that is how they happen. There are times when only God can give us a breakthrough. But more times than not, we have the power to bring about a needed breakthrough in our own lives. Let me explain.

Often, a breakthrough would come if we would do a "turn around". If we would turn back and do the things we know that we should be doing but aren't. Our breakthrough would happen if we would stop going in the wrong direction-- the direction of our flesh instead of the Spirit. Many times we need a breakthrough that restores our joy, our peace, our power, our zeal, our excitement about Jesus, etc. because we wondered off the right path and got on the wrong path. We got slothful and careless and stopped having our prayer time, communion and fellowship with God, reading our Bibles, giving God praise and worship. This being the case, we need to make a "U Turn" and turn around and get back on the right path. 

Stop waiting for God to do the breakthrough for you if this is the reason why you need a breakthrough. Ask Him for His help, ask Him for His grace and strength, but get up and do it... you have the power to do that. Your breakthrough will come if you do.

Have a great day. If you think you need a breakthrough, you might actually need to make a U Turn, and turn around, instead. 

"Be Contagious"

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Last week I went with a friend to her doctor's appointment out of town. There was a lady sitting in the doctor's office when we walked in, and she was talking to some of the other patients.  This lady was so upbeat, joy and peace just exuded from her. Confidence and wisdom were in every word she spoke. It was obvious that she was a Christian and wasn't ashamed to talk about Jesus. The whole room was lit up by her words and presence. I haven't been around someone like her in a long time. My spirit immediately connected with hers. I felt recharged and energized just talking to her. What she had, made me want to have it too. 

The definition of the word contagious is: to spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact; likely to spread and affect others. She is what I call a "contagious" person. This woman's whole demeanor was such as you couldn't help but to want to be like her. Let me ask you, are you a "contagious" person? I am talking about contagious for Jesus. When others get around you, are you living your life in such a way that they want what you have-- Jesus. Do they want the love, peace, joy, grace, wisdom and confidence that you have? We should be living in such a way-- through our words and lifestyle-- so that others want what we have. We should be "rubbing off" on those who don't know Jesus- and those who do- to the point where they are affected and want Him in their lives too. Does this sound like you? I want it to be me. I want my life to touch, impact and make someone desire and hunger for Jesus and to be like Him. Every born-again Christian should want this. 

Have a great day. Is your life contagious? Do others want to "catch" what you have--- which is Jesus.

"Wishful Thinking"

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1

There is a difference in wishful thinking and faith.  More times than not, what we think is faith is really wishful thinking.  So, what's the difference?  Wishful thinking wants something to be so, and hopes it is, but isn't sure that it will be.  Faith on the other hand, knows so; it's thoroughly convinced that what it hopes for it has.  It knows that the thing it hopes for will come to pass.  Wishful thinking has no basis, no foundation to stand upon.  Faith does.  Its basis is the Word of God. It has a foundation; therefore, it is not shaken when doubt or a negative report comes against it.  Wishful thinking is a "head" thing- you know it in your head.  Faith is a "spirit" thing- you know it in your spirit.    

Are you really standing in faith on a matter?  Or is it just wishful thinking?  Not sure?  Does it fit the definitions we have talked about?  Ask God to give you faith, real faith, and show you when you are just "wishful thinking". 

Have a great day.  Is it faith or wishful thinking? 

"God's Plan"

"The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."  Psalms 33:11

The Lord's counsel (His purpose) stands forever; it does not change.  Godhas a plan, and He plans to carry it out.  What is His plan?  The first glimpse we saw of it was in the Garden of Eden when He said that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent.  God knew before the foundation of the earth that Adam would disobey Him and bring sin upon all mankind.  He knew we would need a Savior.  In the course of time, He sent His only begotten Son into the world to pay the price for our sins so that we might go free.  It's in God's plan that all men be saved, and He provided a way that it was possible.  God's plan has not changed.  It's His will that men in every generation be saved.  He does not want anyone to perish. He loves the senior citizens, the youth, and the children.  None are excluded from His plan of eternal life.  "For God so loved the world"- everyone who occupies planet earth, whether young or old.

It doesn't matter what age you are this morning; God loves you and wants to give you eternal life- this is His plan and desire for all mankind.  But God also has a plan for your individual life.  His plan for you stands forever; it does not change.  The Bible says that the gifts and call of God are without repentance.  That means that God doesn't change His mind about what He has called you to do. 

Have you received God's gift of eternal life?  If not, you can today.  Call upon the Lord in faith believing that Jesus paid the price for your sins so that you might be forgiven.  Do you know what God's plan for your life is after you have been saved?  Seek the Lord about it.  Ask Him to show you what He would have you to do.  He will show you.

Have a great day.  God's plan stands forever...it does not change.

"Stand In The Temptation"

"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."  Matthew 4:4

Jesus had just fasted for forty days and forty nights.  The Bible says that He was hungry after the fast.  It also tells us that the devil came to tempt Him to turn stones into bread so He could eat.  

Did you notice when the devil came to tempt Jesus?  He came to tempt Him after the fast was over, after Jesus hadn't eaten in forty days, after He was hungry.  He came to Jesus at a weak point.  Jesus was physically weak, and hungry, from having gone without food for forty days.  

This is when the devil will come to us also.  When we are at a weak point.  Remember, he is our enemy.  He doesn't play fair.  He doesn't show us any mercy.  He doesn't wait until you get up off the mat to hit you again.  He hits you while you are down.  He doesn't wait for you to gain your strength back either.  The Bible says he roams throughout the whole earth seeking whom he may devour.  That means he is constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to tempt you so that he can destroy you.  

"Every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions).  Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death." (James 1:14,15- Amplified Bible) How does satan tempt us? Through the lust and desires of the flesh.  He knows that if he can get us to take the bait, then it will cause us to sin, and sin will lead to death.  He looks for those weak moments in our flesh that he can entice us with.

So, what are we to do?  How do we stand against the enemy when he comes to tempt us, especially when we are already in a weakened condition?  You face him the same way Jesus did.  What was Jesus's response to the devil? "Man cannot live by bread only, but by every word that comes from God." You pick up your sword (the Word of God- Ephesians 6:17) and stand against him.  "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword."  (Hebrews 4:12)  You can't fight him in your own flesh.  It's not a battle against flesh and blood.  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  (Ephesians 6:12)     

Through Jesus's time of temptation in the wilderness, He showed us:

1)  We will be tempted.  None of us are above being tempted.  Even Jesus was tempted.  ("Then was Jesus...tempted of the devil")

2)  We will be tempted when we are at a low point.  ("Afterwards, He was hungry.")

3)  We don't have to give in to the temptation.  ("Man shall not live by bread alone.")

4)  There is a way of escape and victory over the temptation.  ("It is written.")

Being tempted is not a sin.  It's when we give into it, that it becomes sin.  But God has provided a way of escape for us in every temptation. God loves you.  He doesn't want you to be destroyed by the temptation. He has given us everything we need to be able to stand against the enemy and resist the temptation.  He even gave us an example to follow...Jesus.

Have a great day.  There is a way of escape and victory in the temptation.