"A Victim"

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

We have an adversary-- one who is out to steal, kill and destroy us.  Often, we are confused about who the real enemy is.  We think it is some person.  We think it is an individual who is out to get us, who wants to do us harm, who hates us, and so on.  But the real enemy is not flesh and blood.  The real enemy may use flesh and blood, he may use a person, even one who is close to you, but they are only a vessel that is being used. 

The Bible makes it very plain, and clear, that our adversary is the devil-- "your adversary the devil".  He was the enemy of mankind from the very beginning.  He was the one who tempted and deceived Eve in the garden.  He hated mankind.  He was jealous of what God had given to mankind.  He was out to get back at God, so he went after God's heart-- mankind.  He used a serpent back then.  He hasn't changed.  What he was at the beginning, he still is today-- the enemy of mankind who is out to "get us".   

He is still seeking to destroy us today.  He still goes around-- disguised as flesh and blood-- seeking who he may devour.  He looks for those he can cause to be offended.  He seeks those he can deceive.  He looks for those he can persuade to do his "dirty work".  He looks for those who will believe his lies and follow through with his plans.

Since the devil is on the prowl be sure that you don't wind up his victim.  There is more than one way to be his victim-- a victim who is destroyed by him.  You can be his victim by allowing him to use you as a vessel/instrument to do his dirty work.  You can be his victim by believing that some person is your enemy when it is really him that you are wrestling against.

Have a great day.  We have a real enemy who is out to destroy us.  Don't become his victim. 

Scripture references:
John 8:44,10:10
Ephesians 6:11,12
Genesis 3:1-7

"Wrong Prayer? - Part 2"

"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me".  2 Corinthians 12:8

Yesterday we talked about praying the wrong prayer.  The Israelites had rebelled against the Lord God and were worshipping idols.  He told them to repent and turn back to Him.  They would not.  When judgment came because of their sin and they were attacked by the Babylonians and taken into exile, they cried out to the Lord.  Only their prayer was one for deliverance, not repentance.  They prayed the wrong prayer.

I bring this up again this morning because when we are going through hard situations, we want deliverance.  We don't want to go through the tribulation.  We don't want to face the battles.  We want to get out of them instead.  Yesterday we said that when things don't change it could be because we are praying the wrong prayer.  Instead of praying for deliverance the Israelites should have been repenting. 

When we go through hard times, prayers of deliverance are not always the prayer we should be praying.  Sometimes it's a prayer of repentance we should pray-- like the Israelites.  Sometimes it's a prayer of help to submit to whatever direction the will of God may be taking us-- like Joseph.  Sometimes the prayer should be that the Lord would use the situation to change you-- tribulation worketh patience.  Sometimes it's the prayer for the will of the Lord to be done-- like Jesus in the garden.  The point is-- don't only pray prayers of deliverance.  There may be other things the Lord wants to work out in your life through it.  Pray to know what it is-- like Paul. 

Have a great day.  There are more prayers than the prayer of deliverance that we should be praying. 

"Wrong Prayer?"

"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

Jerusalem was being besieged by the Babylonians.  They were being taken captive and were experiencing the judgment of God.  They had sinned against God.  They had not kept His commandments.  They were worshipping false gods, not Him.  They forsook, rejected and rebelled against the God of Israel.  For years He had dealt with them to repent and turn back to Him.  He sent prophets to tell them to repent but they would not.  Finally, the Lord turned them over to judgment at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.   

It was at that point, when there was no escape, when defeat and exile was imminent, when the enemy was triumphing that they began to cry out to the Lord.  They cried out to the Lord to "behold their affliction".  They cried out for God's help to defeat the enemy.  They prayed that He would deliver them from their enemy and that He would fight on their behalf.  But He did not.  Why?  It was too late.  Their rejection of God had reached the point of judgment.  I also submit to you that it was also because they prayed the wrong prayer. Their pray was not one of repentance.  It was one of deliverance. 

Their sin against God was what had put them in the path of judgment.  It was not the cry for help and deliverance that would save them, but the cry of repentance for their sin against God that would have.

When we are in trouble, when we are under attack, we often do the same thing they did-- we pray for deliverance.  We don't want to go through the hard time.  We want "out".  So we call out to the Lord for help.  Maybe we are praying the wrong prayer. 

There are times when the enemy attacks and we should pray for the Lord's help and deliverance.  But there are times when our prayer should be a prayer of repentance.  Maybe a sin we have committed is what opened the door to the attack of the enemy?  When you are facing difficulties and are tempted to pray a prayer of escape, perhaps you should seek the Lord and find out what is the appropriate prayer to pray in that situation.

Have a great day.  What prayer should we be praying?

"Led By Pride"

"And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence".  Exodus 33:15

I woke up with another song on my heart this morning.  The chorus says, "I can't even walk without You holding my hand.  The mountain's too high and the valley's too wide".  I can't even walk without the Lord's help.  But how often do we act like little children who insist that they "can do it"?   They don't want the help, or need the help, because they can do it by themselves when in reality, they can't.

The reality of life is that we can't do it by ourselves either.  We can't do it on our own.  We can't do life without the Lord.  We can't save ourselves.  We can't supply our own oxygen.  We can't put blood in our veins.  We can't direct our own steps.  We don't know what is best for us.  We don't have strength, wisdom or peace without and apart from the Lord.  That is why the Bible says-- "In Him we live and move and have our being".

To think we can make it on our own apart from the Lord is pride.  Have you ever wondered why your attempts at something failed?  Perhaps it was because you thought you could do it on your own.  Perhaps you thought that it was something you could handle by yourself and didn't need to ask God for help or direction.  This happened to the Israelites at the city of Ai.  They didn't consult the Lord about what they should do because they had just defeated in battle the large walled city of Jericho, and Ai was a small town.  When they attacked Ai, they were beaten and had to run for their lives.  Their pride lead them-- not the Lord.  Therefore, they were defeated.  Pride goes before destruction.  If you are trying to handle things in your own strength and understanding; if you don't think you need the Lord's help; if you are being defeated; perhaps it is pride that is bringing you down.  Pride of thinking you can do it without Him.  Start humbling yourself and acknowledge the Lord in all your ways because you can't even walk without Him holding your hand.

Have a great day.  Are your trying to do it on your own?  Do you think you can do it without the Lord?  That is pride.  You can't.  If you let pride lead you it will bring you down. 

Scripture references:
Acts 17:28
Proverbs 16:18
Jeremiah 10:23
Joshua 7,8

"No Way"

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."   John 14:6

You have heard the expression, "The Lord makes a way where there seems to be no way".  There are situations that we face where there seems to be no way that it will work out.  Or there seems to be no way of escape.  There seemed to be no way for the disciples to escape death during the storm, but Jesus made a way by calming the storm.  There seemed to be no way of survival for the three Hebrews in the furnace, but the Lord made a way for them to come out unharmed. 

But when it comes to our salvation the phrase is not-- there seemed to be no way.  The truth is-- there was no way.  When man sinned against God in the garden, there was no way for him to make it right with God.  There was no way for him to be saved from his now sinful state.  There was no way for him to be forgiven and restored to right relationship with God.  There was no way for him to have eternal life.

Man tried to make a way by sewing fig leaves together to cover his nakedness/sin.  Man has tried to make his own way by keeping a set of laws, rules and commandments.  Man has tried to make a way through religious deeds.  He has tried through his own goodness.  He has tried everything, but to no avail.  There was no way! 

There was no way until God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to make a way for us.  He became the way through His death on the cross, burial and resurrection.  The question is not whether there only seems to be a way, but "is there a way?"  The answer-- there is a way.  The next question is, "Have you gotten on that way? Have you received the way that was provided for you?".  All the ways you can come up with will never be good enough-- although they may seem to be.  There is only one way--- Jesus.

Have a great day.  There was no way to be saved before Jesus came, and then He made the way.     

"Get Up And Move On"

"And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over 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 16:1

Samuel had anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.  Saul disobeyed God and the Lord removed the kingdom from him.  Because of this, Samuel was grieved and mourned for Saul.  The word mourn means to feel deep sorrow, lament and regret. 

Evidently, God thought that Samuel had mourned for Saul long enough and before Samuel became totally consumed with the sorrow and regret, God told him it was time for him to get up and move on. 

I believe the Lord is saying to someone today the same thing He said to Samuel-- "How long?".  How long will you continue to mourn over this situation?  How long are you going to grieve over what is over?  How long will you continue to "beat yourself up about it"?  How long are you going to hold onto regret for the past?  How long are you going to sit there and let it consume you-- your thoughts, your time, your energy, your future, your productivity, your peace and your joy?  How long are you going to let it hinder you from going to the next thing God has for you?  How long are you going to let it hold you back from your destiny?  How long are you going to let it depress you, keep you in anger, steal from you, frustrate you, confuse you and keep you a prisoner?

Basically, God was telling Samuel-- enough is enough, get up and move on, I have more for you to do than sit here mourning over the past and what has already been done.  It is finished.  It is over.  I have something else for you-- get up and move on!  I believe I heard from the Lord and this is for someone today, if you will receive it.  Stop "mourning" over it.  Move on and let the Lord do a new thing in your life.  Samuel got up and anointed the new king of Israel-- the king that was a man after God's own heart; a king through whom the Messiah would come; a king whose throne would be established forever.  That was much better than what he was mourning over.

Have a great day.  Get up and move on! 

"Drinking From The Well"

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life".  John 4:14

As Jesus sat by a well in Samaria a woman came to draw water from the well.  Jesus invited her to drink the water that He had to offer.  His water would satisfy the longing, emptiness and desire of her soul and she would never thirst again.  The water that He was referring to was Himself.  He was the well that she could drink from and find contentment and peace in her heart.

This woman was looking for something to satisfy a longing in her soul.  She was trying to quench the emptiness, dryness, discontentment and lack that was inside of her through relationships.  She had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband, but that wasn't quenching her thirst.

Many people today are trying to quench what is thirsty inside of them by the water that the world gives. They are trying through relationships, through sex, drugs and alcohol.  They are trying through education, through money, through prestige, through popularity, through power, through forms of entertainment, and so on.  All of these things may satisfy, but only for a short while. 

Jesus offers us what will satisfy.  He gives us the water of life-- eternal life so we will never thirst again.  He gives us every good and perfect gift.  He gives us godliness with contentment.  He gives us peace that passes understanding.  He gives us power and strength.  He gives us grace and liberty.  He gives us joy that is unspeakable.   

When we drink of this water of life (the salvation that He offers freely), we will never thirst again.  All that we are seeking, and all that we lack will be found in Him.  So go to the Well and drink the waters of eternal life. 

Have a great day.  Are you thirsty?  Drink water from the well... Jesus is the well of living water. 

"It Won't Go Well"

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves".  James 1:22

When Zedekiah was king of Judah, the nation was already under Babylonian captivity.  During the ninth year of his reign, he decided to rebel against the king of Babylon.  The prophet Jeremiah went to the king and gave him a word from the Lord.  The word was that he should turn himself over to king Nebuchadrezzar.  But he didn't.  He continued to rebel and fight.  Jeremiah went to the king again on a couple of other occasions telling him to surrender but he still would not.  Finally, Nebuchadrezzar gained full control over Jerusalem and took king Zedekiah prisoner.  He killed his children before his eyes, then he plucked his eyes out and killed him.  The prophet had warned him to surrender, and it would go well for him, but he just would not listen and obey the word, therefore, it did not go well for him.

The prophet was the one who spoke for God, giving His word to the people.  Today God speaks to us through prophets, ministers and primarily His Word.  The story of Zedekiah is an applicable word for us to today.  And that is:  if we will not harken to the word of the Lord, if we will not obey it, if we are only hearers and not doers of the Word, like Zedekiah things will not go well with us. 

Blessings are attached to obedience.  "If we are willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land." (Isaiah 1:19) The Bible is full of promises with blessings attached to them for those who will obey.  It also warns of curses that are attached for those who don't.  Are you obeying the Word of God?  Are you hearing it but not doing it?  Where do you stand in your obedience to the Word?  Hopefully, we will heed the example of king Zedekiah and learn that obedience is better than sacrifice. 

Have a great day.  When we obey the Word of God, it will go well with us.  When we don't obey, it won't go very well.

"Sing, Sing, Sing"

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise".  Psalm 98:4

Let's sing this morning.  I woke up with a song on my heart.  Did you know that singing is good for you?  Even studies have shown that it has emotional, physical and social benefits.  It is also a stress reliever.  Therefore, you need to sing.

I have a couple of regular customers who come into my shop and from the moment they come in the door until they leave you can hear them singing.  I love it, it blesses me.  I was talking with someone else the other day and realized I have never heard them sing.  Their replied when I asked was--- I don't sing.  This was sad to me because singing is good for the soul. 

Often, we won't sing, especially in public, because we don't think we can sing or are embarrassed to sing where anyone will hear us.  Not all of us have amazing, professional sounding voices.  Not all of us can sing out loud in public.  Not all of us can carry a tune.  But we can all make a joyful noise and that noise needs to start in our heart.  And it doesn't have to be in public; it can remain in private. 

You may not be a "singer", but you should.  Especially when it comes to singing praise to the Lord.  It may sound off key, it may sound ear-piercing, it may not sound good, but when you sing to the Lord, it sounds like "music to His ears"-- He loves it.  And in return you will get some tremendous benefits from it-- in body, soul and spirit.  By the way, the song that was on my heart was-- "How Great Thou Art".  Who can't help but sing that out loud!

Have a great day.  Singing should be part of your life because there are so many benefits connected with it-- especially when you sing to the Lord. 

"Forsake It To Follow"

"And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him".  Luke 5:11

Following Jesus and surrendering to His will was more important to Peter than a boat load of fish.  It was more important to Mary than her reputation in the town.  It was more important to Levi/Matthew than his wealth and clout with the Roman government.  It was more important to James and John than their inheritance. 

These men and women, and many more, were sold out and surrendered to the Lord and His will for their lives.  He was what was most important to them.  As a result, they gave up everything.  Unlike the Pharisees who looked like they were serving and following the Lord; who looked like He was more important to them than anything else, but the fact is He wasn't.  They weren't willing to give up their self-righteousness for Him.  They weren't willing to give up their authority and power among the people for Him.  They weren't willing to give up their "church position" for Him.  They weren't willing to give up the accolades of the people for Him.  They weren't willing and they even "fought" against Him to keep it. 

How important is He/Jesus/The Lord to you?  What are you willing to give up or leave in order to follow Him?  I am not suggesting at all that you quit your job, leave your family, don't care about anything or anybody.  What I am asking is are you willing to forsake it all for Him?  Are you willing, and would you, give up whatever He calls you to lay aside in order to follow Him?  In the end, what you gain is so much more than what you lose. 

Have a great day.  What is more important to you than the Lord?  If you aren't willing to forsake it, He is not what is most important.    

"Needless Suffering"

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly".  Psalm 84:11

Suffering is part of the Christian life.  There are some places of suffering that cannot be avoided-- we have to walk through them.  But sometimes we are suffering needlessly.  Some suffering can be relieved a lot sooner than it is.

The Bible says that there is no good thing that the Lord will withhold from them that walk uprightly.  When we are suffering with turmoil, confusion, depression and anxiety-- peace is a good thing.  When we are suffering with weakness, (weakness of mind, of body, in our emotions, spiritually)-- strength is a good thing.  When we are sick in body-- healing is a good thing.  When we are downcast, distraught, sad or grieved-- joy is a good thing.  When we don't know what to do about our situation-- wisdom is a good thing.  When we don't know which way to go-- guidance is a good thing.  When we are in need-- help is a good thing.

God wants to bless His people with good things.  He wants to supply our need.  He wants to give us what we lack.  Yet, often we suffer needlessly because we won't receive the good thing that He wants to give us.  The main reason is because we try to rationalize it all.  We rationalize that the reason we are suffering is because God is mad at us.  Or because this is God's way of keeping me humble.  Or because this is my cross to bear.  Or because this is my punishment for my sins.  Or I'm not good enough for God to do this for me.  Or because I deserve what I am going through.  Whatever reason we use to try to rationalize our suffering and stay in it doesn't always make it a true reason. 

What good thing do you need today?  Don't walk in false reasoning about it.  Instead just simply believe God's word about it.

Have a great day.  Don't suffer needlessly because of false reasoning when God has a good thing He wants to give you. 
 

"Counterfeit Christians - part 2"

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".  2 Corinthians 5:17

The purpose of a counterfeit is to deceive someone into believing that it is genuine and real.  We are living in a time where there is a counterfeit/spirit of deception the church.  It poses as real Christianity in order to deceive people into following its way instead of Christ's way-- which is the real way. 

Counterfeit Christianity says that you can live anyway you want to live as long as you believe in Jesus.  It also bases its belief on the premise of "goodness".  Yet, it interprets what good is instead of interpreting it by the Word of God. 

Jesus said that you would know a tree by the fruit it bares.  A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, neither can an evil tree produce good fruit.  A counterfeit Christian has been deceived into believing that you can have both good and evil in your life and you are still the "real" thing. 

The scriptures tell us that if any man is in Christ-- if he is born again-- he is a new creation.  He has been turned into something that he was not before.  It is a word picture of the caterpillar who is transformed into a butterfly.  When you are born again you are transformed from a "caterpillar" (sinner) into a "butterfly" (saved).  A caterpillar represents the old nature-- that of a sinner-- and the butterfly represents the new nature-- the new person we become in Christ.

Many people are trying to pass themselves off as a "butterfly" when they are in fact still a "caterpillar".  A butterfly doesn't crawl any longer, it flies.  It isn't an ugly creeping thing, it is a thing of beauty.  If you are still living like a caterpillar, you are not a "real" Christian, you are a "counterfeit". 

This is where the spirit of deception has come into the church.  It makes people think they are "butterflies" when in reality they are "caterpillars".  They have not been made new by the born-again experience.  They still "crawl" around in adultery and fornication.  They use profanity.  They have immoral lifestyles.  They cheat, lie and steal.  They are full of bitterness and hate.  They cheat on spouses. They are selfish and self-centered thinking about what is best only for themselves.  They are deceived because they "believe in Jesus" but are not following Him.  They are deceived because they think that they are "good" enough, but without the righteousness of Christ applied to their lives they will never be good enough.

Are you professing to be a "butterfly" (a true Christian) but you are still living like a "caterpillar" (a counterfeit)?  Then you have fallen for the deception.  There is only one thing that will change a caterpillar into a butterfly-- the cocoon.  There is only one thing that will change a counterfeit Christian/a sinner into a real Christian-- a born-again experience in Christ.

Have a great day.  Are you a butterfly or a caterpillar? 

"Counterfeit Christians"

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God".  John 3:3

The word counterfeit means:  a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery, fake; copy.  Our churches are full of "counterfeit Christians".  They sit in the pews, sing in the choir, serve on the board, are part of the leadership and stand in the pulpits.  They appear to be the real thing when you see them in this setting but put them out into "society" and the truth of who they are comes out.  

One main difference between what is counterfeit and what is real is their "origin".  These counterfeit Christians are trying to make themselves into the "real thing" through their good deeds, good works, giving, moral standards, belief system, and appearance.  They think that if they "look the part"-- go to church, are friends with the pastor, bring their Bible to church, sing in the choir, teach a Sunday School class, and so on-- that makes them the real thing.  But they are still a fake/counterfeit.  A fake is never the real thing.

In order to be a "real Christian" your "origin" has to be real.  What do I mean by that?  Just because you do religious things, just because you were brought up in church, just because you believe that God is real and Jesus is God, are all exterior works that we perform in order to make us something that we aren't.  The only thing that can make us the "real deal" is to be born again.  You have to be "made" into a Christian by Jesus-- not by your works, deeds, wishes or knowledge.  You have to be born again of the Spirit.  You have to have a transformation that changes you from the inside out.  You have to be changed from a sinner into a saved person, and only Jesus can do that.  Only He can make you into a "True Christian"-- you can't do it yourself.

Have a great day.  The difference between a "counterfeit Christian" and a "true Christian" is that a counterfeit tries to make himself into the real thing through his own efforts.  A "real Christian" becomes one through a born-again experience in Christ Jesus.  

"Where To Find Him?"

"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

The Psalmist said he would look to the hills to find the Lord when he needed His help.  The disciples saw Him in all His splendor and glory on the mountain.  We can do the same-- look to the hills and the mountain top to find Him.  But while we are trying to find Him in the grand and glorious times on the mountain, and in high places far above all our problems and troubles, more often than not, we won't find Him there. 

The places we find God most often are in the places of difficulty and trial.  The disciples found Him in the boat with them during the storm.  Daniel found Him in the lion's den that he was thrown into.  The three Hebrews found Him in the furnace.  The Apostle Paul found Him in a ship during a storm.  We can find Him in the valley.

Whatever place of difficulty you are in, whatever storm, whatever trial, if you will look you will find Him there.  He stays in the places of our adversity, our pain, our struggles, our suffering and our heartache so that we can find Him anytime we need Him.

Have a great day.  You may be looking for the Lord in all the glorious and easy places-- and you will find Him there.  But you will find Him mostly in the hard and difficult places of life.      

"Was I Really Following?"

"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness".  Luke 4:1

The verse said Jesus was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness".  It didn't say He was "pushed by the Spirit".  It didn't say He was "drug by the Spirit".  He was "led".  Being led by something or someone means that it is out in front of you and you are following.  Jesus followed the Spirit and wound up in the wilderness.

Often, we get confused and anxious when we are following the leading of the Lord and we wind up in the wilderness, in a place of temptation, difficulty, hardship, heartache and pain.  Immediately we want to think that we must have "missed" God.  We must have done something wrong.  We must have assumed it was God when it wasn't.  We must have imagined it was God.  We must have been walking in the flesh.  We must not have really been following Him.  Why?  Because we reason that if we had truly been following the leading of the Spirit, we would not be in this place.  We think that when we follow the Spirit, He is always going to lead us into perfect, peaceful places of bliss.  Not always so. 

The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested.  Jesus told His disciples to get into the boat which put them in the middle of a storm.  Why would He lead us into those kinds of places?  There are many reasons why-- far too many to talk about here.  But His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts-- they are so much higher, and, in His wisdom, He understands it completely and has a plan for you through it.

So, don't let the enemy tell you the lie that you weren't following the Lord.  Don't let Him tell you that this would not have happened if you had been.  Don't let him condemn you and make you think that you missed God's leading.  Don't get perplexed if His leading takes you into a difficult place. 

The most important part of following is not about the place you are being taken, but about the One you are following.  It is not about the destination; it is about trust in the One who is leading.

Have a great day.  If you are following the Lord and you wind up in a "wilderness", don't misjudge yourself thinking that you must not have been following-- He does lead us into hard places at times.  

"I Can Rejoice"

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."  Psalm 63:7

One of the reasons why I believe we live depressed, defeated and discouraged lives is because we have forgotten how to rejoice.  The Bible says that we walk and live by faith and not by sight.  Most of us are walking by sight and because we stay focused on what we see we allow it to rob us of our joy and keep us from rejoicing.  Faith steps out and rejoices even when there is seemly nothing to rejoice about--even in tribulation.

The situation I am in may be difficult.  Things may be going wrong.  I may be hurting.  I may have problems.  Life may be hard.  But I still have plenty to rejoice about.  I can rejoice in the fact that the Lord is my helper in difficulty.  I can rejoice because He is with me always and will never leave me-- even in the valley of the shadow of death.  I can rejoice because He causes all things to work together for my good.  I can rejoice because there is no good thing that the Lord will withhold from me.  I can rejoice because He will make a way for me even when there seems to be none.  I can rejoice because if He is for me who can be against me.  I can rejoice because He promised to supply all my need.  I can rejoice because nothing shall separate me from His love.  I can rejoice because He goes before me making crooked ways straight.  I can rejoice because no weapon formed against me shall prosper.  I can rejoice because when I cry out to Him and call upon Him, He will answer me.  I can rejoice because He holds my life in His hands.

When I begin to rejoice and not withhold my rejoicing/shouts of praise because it looks like I don't have a reason to rejoice, my head is lifted, my knees are strengthened, my hope is renewed, my faith is increased, my trust in God becomes reaffirmed and the weight of defeat, depression and discouragement is lightened.

Have a great day.  Don't stop rejoicing because of what you see in the natural world around you.  Rejoice anyway!  "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice". (Philippians 4:4)  

"Tunnel Vision"

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory".  2 Corinthians 4:17

When it comes to trials, most people have "tunnel vision".  The dictionary defines tunnel vision as: the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view. We tend to see our trials with limited vision.  We see them as strictly an attack of the enemy, or we see them as just how life is, or we see them as something to be delivered from. 

Weeks ago, we talked about seeing things from God's perspective.  Our trials should be viewed from HIs perspective, not through tunnel vision.  Yes, much of what we go through is an attack of our enemy-- he comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Yes, also, some things that happen are a natural part of life.  And, yes, again, who doesn't want deliverance-- after all we want easy comfortable lives.  But there is another perspective, a broader field of vision we should have when going through trials.  We should see them as a time of transformation in us.  After all, the Lord works all things together for our good.

When a lump of clay is thrown onto the potter's wheel, spun around and pounded, the end result is a beautiful vessel fit for service.  When a piece of metal is placed in the silversmith's crucible and heated and reheated, it is purified and out of it comes a precious metal that is of great value.  When a fruit tree is pruned and the dead parts cut away, it is then able to produce more and better fruit.  When an oyster gets a grain of sand in its shell, this irritant causes a beautiful pearl to be formed. 

Whatever you are going through, don't look at it through tunnel vision.  Look at it through a broader lens.  What you are going through is not just a trial, it is also producing in you an eternal glory, the Fruit of the Spirit, and a transformation that causes the image of Christ to be stamped in you.  

Have a great day.  Trials are to be viewed through more than tunnel vision. 

"Grace All Day"

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me".  2 Corinthians 12:9

When I woke up this morning, I looked at the clock and it read,"5:55".  Immediately, I thought to myself-- grace, grace, grace.  (The number five is the number that represents grace.)  I haven't been able to get away from that thought this morning.  I believe the Lord was speaking to me as soon as I awoke about grace.

Grace is not only God's unmerited favor on our lives, but it is also His loving and merciful kindness, good will and divine influence.  The fact that it was the number five three times made me think of the three primary times of day-- morning, noon and night. 

I believe the Lord wants to encourage us in the fact that no matter what we face today, no matter what may come our way, regardless of what may rise up against us, all day long the grace of His presence, the grace of His goodness, the grace of His loving-kindness, the grace of His favor, the grace of His wisdom and the grace of His mercy will be there for us and with us. 

So, whatever comes your way today-- pain, grief, frustrating situations, fear, a fiery trial, etc.-- remember that God's grace will be there for you.  It will lead and guide you.  It will hold you and uphold you.  It will envelope you and give you the peace and strength that you need to walk through the day, the whole day.

Have a great day.  God's grace is here for you all day long.

"Another Social Club?"

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching".  Hebrews 10:25

The other day I read a survey that was made among Christians who were asked, "What criteria would a church have to meet in order for you to attend it?".  The top four questions/answers they gave are:
1)  It would have to be a place where I can find friends.
2)  Is it a place where I feel free to be myself-- safe from judgment or condemnation?
3)  Will being there add value to my life?
4) I want a place where my life matters because I am cared about.

I understand the concerns these people had.  We all want to be acknowledged, loved, accepted and find relationships that are genuine.  But I noticed there was something missing.  Where was Jesus?  Everything pointed to "I/Me/My".  The answers were all about the individual and satisfying something in them and for them.  Yet, that "something" was not of a spiritual nature. 

What is our motive behind going to church?  Why do we bother to make the effort to go if it is all about what we need and want?  Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe in going to church.  I believe that this is where we should seek out relationships.  As Christians the people we associate with should be of "like precious faith" and we should be "equally yoked" with them.  Church is the place for that to happen.  But if that is all that church is about, or all it is to you.... then join a club, you can find that there.

The church is supposed to be a place where we can encounter God corporately.  Jesus called it a "house of prayer".  He called it "His Father's house".  It is God's house.  It is a place where He is acknowledged.  It is a place where we can grow spiritually.  It is a place where we can hear the preaching of the Word and be refreshed, exhorted, corrected, instructed and strengthened.  It is a place where my spirit man can be ministered to so that I have what I need to be able to go back into the "battlefield" of a sin-sick world and bring hope and life to them.  It is a place where I receive encouragement to keep "fighting the good fight", to keep "pressing toward the mark", to keep "running the race".  It is a place where I can be embraced by others when the battle has been too hard and I have taken a "hit". 

Church is designed by God to be a wonderful place of encouragement, healing and restoration.  We should go to church.  We should be part of a church.  But we should remember that the church is not just another social club or gathering.  It is God's house and we should go for the right reason-- Him.

Have a great day.  Church is more than a social club.

"A Place Called Praise"

"Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion".  Psalm 114:2

The word Judah means praise.  Praise is a sanctuary.  Praise isn't just something we do.  It isn't just words that we speak.  It isn't just something verbalized.  It is a "place".  Our praise provides a place for the Lord.  The Bible tells us that He inhabits the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3) Your praises form a place for the Lord to come and inhabit.

The Psalmist said that he would bless the Lord at all times; the praise of the Lord would continually be in his mouth.  When?  When things were going well?  When things were perfect?  When he was at peace?  No, not only in the good times of life, but at all times-- including the bad times.

When you are going through trials, problems, temptations and difficulties, the enemy of your soul wants to steal, kill and destroy you.  He wants to steal your praise.  He wants to stop you from praising the Lord.  He wants to get you to murmur, complain, be negative, and speak words of fear and defeat.  He knows that your praise will bring the Lord's presence closer so much so that He will dwell in the midst of those praises. 

It is easy when things are going badly to withhold our praise.  Praise is the last thing we want to do.  But it is the greatest thing we can do.  It will cause the enemy to flee.  It will hold back the destruction.  It will calm the storm.  It will settle the anxious heart.  It will lift the heavy burden.  It will cause the dark clouds to roll back.  It will bring peace because it brings the Prince of Peace near to you. 

So don't let your circumstances cause you to withhold praise from the Lord.  It is the most important thing you can do.  Don't look at the situation but look at the One who can make the situation work together for your good.  It may not be easy to praise Him in the storm, but it is necessary if you are going to make it through the storm.  Praise is a sacrifice.  You are going to have to press on and do it by faith--not feelings.  Praise Him even if you don't feel like it. 

Have a great day.  Praise is a place that we prepare for the Lord to inhabit. 

"Separated Fellowship"

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord".  Romans 8:38,39

Nothing separates us from the love of God.  He loved us and demonstrated that love for us while we were still sinners by sending His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins.  So, what we do or don't do is not what makes Him love us or stop loving us.  He is going to continue to love us anyway.

But if we sin, that sin will separate us from His presence.  It will separate us from close, intimate and personal communion with Him.  It will place a wedge between us and Him.  It will cause us to run from Him instead of running to Him.  It will cause us to hide from Him instead of drawing near to Him.  The guilt and shame and self-condemnation will hold us back from our relationship with Him.  This is what happened to Adam and Eve.  When they sinned, they ran and hid from God.

If you have sinned, yielded to temptation and fallen.  Confess your sin.  He is faithful and just to forgive you.  Repent of what you have done.  Repentance is two-fold.  It involves turning from your sin and turning to the Lord.  We see true repentance in the story of the prodigal son.  He turned from the pigpen and turned to the father.  In this story we learn what repentance means through the prodigal son, but we learn what true love and forgiveness is through the father.  The father loved him; therefore, he ran to meet him, he embraced him, he welcomed him back into relationship and he restored him. 

The Lord loves you, even if you "mess up" or sin.  Because He loves you, He does not want there to be any division between the two of you.  Because He loves you, He wants unbroken fellowship with you.  Therefore, you can rest assured that if you will repent and turn back to Him, He will forgive and embrace you.  Why?  Because He loves you.       

Have a great day.  Nothing separates us from God's love, so don't let your sin separate you from fellowship with Him.  Repent of it.  

"Maintaining Peace"

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid".  John 14:27

We all face trying circumstances.  We all face times of testing.  We all face unpleasant situations.  We all go through hard and dark places in life.  There are some places we walk through that we don't like.  We would love for them to be different.  We want them to change or make them go away.  Many of these places are out of our control.  We don't have the power to do anything about them.  When these times in life come, there is only one course of action that we can take if we want to have and maintain any level of peace in our lives.  It is to TRUST GOD.

Paul faced shipwreck, imprisonment, beatings, contradictions of sinners and persecution by the religious crowds.  Yet, he had peace through it all.  Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, but we don't read where he begged for his life and for escape.  He had peace.  The three Hebrews were thrown into the fiery furnace.  They didn't go "kicking and screaming".  They had peace.  All of these men faced tremendous testing, but we see peace through it in their lives.  Why?  Because they TRUSTED GOD. 

When the trials of life come, and they will, the devil wants to steal your peace.  There is only one way to keep that from happening.  TRUST GOD!  Keep trusting Him no matter what the situation looks like, no matter how you feel about it, when it is not the ideal situation, when there is nothing you can do about it, when it is not what you like, when you want to change it and when fear comes. 

Remember this if you want to have and maintain your peace in trying times:  God is for you; God is with you; God is working on your behalf; God is in control- nothing takes Him by surprise; God is bigger than the situation; God will work all things together for your good.  Therefore, TRUST HIM. 

Have a great day.  You are going to have to trust God if you want to maintain any level of peace in trying situations.  

"In Church Or In Christ?"

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".  2 Corinthians 5:17

We get concerned about people when they aren't "in church".  (And so we should-- it is important to be in church.)  But being in church, working in church, holding a position in church is not what makes you saved.  You can sit in church every time the doors are open.  You can serve in church at every event they have.  But that still doesn't make you saved.  Salvation only comes when you are "in Christ".

What does it mean to be "in Christ"?  When we come to God in repentance, and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by faith, we become a "new person".  We aren't just changing our attitude or behavior.  We aren't just turning over a new leaf.  We aren't just acting better and doing better.  We now take on the identity of Christ.  We are become a brand-new person.  Christ has made us, and is making us, brand new. 

We take on a new nature-- His holy nature.  We take on a new identity-- His identity.  Our sins have been forgiven.  We have left our old sinful life and are embracing the new life we have in Christ.  It is a life of inward peace-- not condemnation.  It is a life of hope-- not hopelessness.  It is a life of freedom-- deliverance from bondage of sin.  It is a life of acceptance by the Father-- not rejection.  It is a life of love-- not fear and hate.  It is a life of forgiveness-- not judgment.

While you should be in church, just being "in church" doesn't and never will save you, it doesn't make you right with God, it doesn't write your name in the Lamb's Book of Life, it doesn't make you a child of God and it doesn't give you eternal life.  Being in Christ is what saves you.  It is what makes you accepted by God.  It is what makes you right with God.  It is what gives you eternal life.  

Have a great day.  Are you only "in church" or are you "in Christ"?  There is a difference.  Only one will save you.  

"Forgive Them"

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven".  Matthew 18:21,22

Forgiveness is a choice.  It isn't always an easy choice especially when you have in reality been done wrong or were mistreated.  Although it is a choice, it is not an option.  Jesus was very serious about the matter of forgiveness.  He put much emphasis and importance on it.  He told His disciples to forgive the person and the offense that was done against them not once or twice or even ten times, but to forgive seventy times seven. 

You may protest or argue that this requirement of Jesus is unjust or unfair.  You may try to excuse your unforgiveness based on what was done to or against you.  You may say to Jesus, "You don't know what was done to me.  If You did You would understand and not require me to forgive them".  

May I response to that?  Are you forgetting who you are talking to?  The Jesus who said, "Forgive them", is the same Jesus that was beaten with a whip unmercifully, betrayed by friends, lied about in "court", mocked, rejected, ridiculed by the religious (church) people, put to an open shame, innocent but charged as guilty, falsely accused, treated like a common criminal, had nails hammered into His hands and feet, hung on a wooden cross and left to die.  Yet, He cried out-- "Father, forgive them".  Forgive my oppressors.  Forgive my executioners.  Forgive those who lied about Me.  Forgive the jeering crowd.  Forgive those who held the whip.  Forgive those who crucified Me.  Forgive them. 

Even today He is still offering forgiveness to those who rejected Him.  He is offering forgiveness to those who curse Him, blaspheme Him, rebel against Him, slander Him and hated Him.  Yes, forgiveness is importance to Him.  He not only continues to forgive us, but He is still saying to us today--- forgive.  "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you". Ephesians 4:32

Have a great day.  Jesus knows what it is like to be mistreated and yet He still forgives... and He requires the same from you.   

"Those Hard Places"

"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

The Christian life is a life of surrender-- surrender to the plan of God, to the will of God, and to the leading of God to follow Him.  Sometimes He leads us beside still waters-- pleasant places of rest.  Sometimes He leads us into the wilderness to be tried and tested.  Sometimes He leads us up "Calvary's hill" where self is denied and crucified.  The point is that He doesn't always lead us into easy places.  Sometimes He leads us into hard places where we would not choose to go ourselves.

There are two things that you need to know, remember and hold on to when His leading takes you into hard places.  First, He will never leave you.  He may lead you there, but He will not leave you there alone.  He will be with you each and every step of the way.  Secondly, He will never lead you into a place that is harder than He has already walked through Himself.  He walked through some hard places while here on earth-- the wilderness, the place of shame, the place of pain, the place of betrayal, Pilate's Judgment Hall, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Calvary.  When He leads you into a hard place, He knows exactly how you feel.  He is acquainted with what you are going through.  He has "been there" and "done that" already Himself.  This is why He can be touched with the feelings of your weaknesses-- He has already been through that place, and worse.

Have a great day.  The Lord will not always lead us into easy places, but when He does, He will be there and has already been there.     

"Focused On The Important"

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone".  Matthew 23:23

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders, for many reasons, but here He rebuked them because they were more concerned about focusing on what was least important than what was most important.  They made sure they gave their titles all the way down to each little leaf of an herb.  Jesus told them not to neglect the requirements of the law but to give more attention to what was really important in the eyes of God.

They were concerned about doing religious works but not about the heart of the gospel.  What the Pharisees were doing was focusing on the "natural" side of religion.  What Jesus told them to do and focus on was the "spiritual" side-- matters of the heart.  They were focused on paying tithes on mint leaves.  He was focused on them showing mercy.  They were focused on paying tithes on cumin seeds.  He was focused on their faith. 

This sounds like many in the church today.  They are more concerned about showing up at church, singing in the choir, paying titles, teaching a small group or Sunday school class, their daily Bible reading plan, working in the church, etc.  But the "weightier" part of the gospel is not there in their lives.  The heart of the gospel is not in them.  They are like Pharisees caught up in the work but not demonstrating the spirit. 

Which group are you in?  Are you keeping the Lord's commandments?  Are you keeping them out of love or duty-- hoping that they will "earn" you something?  Are you walking in love?  Are you judging correctly-- between that which is holy and pleasing to the Lord and that which is not (especially in your own life)?  Are you walking in faith?  Are you fully trusting in the Lord as your Savior and living out a life that honors Him through faith?  Are you merciful-- remembering how merciful He was to you by saving you?  Are you focusing more on the spirit than the flesh?  Is the Fruit of the Spirit being cultivated in your life or are you more concerned about religious duty?  Do you portray Christ's attitude or fleshly behavior?  Are you more concerned about what you are doing for the Lord than you are about being like Him?

Have a great day.  Are you more focused on doing the exterior works of the gospel than you are on the interior work that reveals Christ in you?  

"Serious Prayer"

"And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God".  Luke 6:12

The majority of the Christian community knows little about how to "really" pray.  Oh, we pray, but our prayers are so shallow and hurried.  We don't do what I call "serious praying".  This kind of prayer is called, "praying until you pray through".  It is called "tarrying" until the answer comes. 

We throw up prayers on the run- as we are leaving the house, while we are brushing our teeth, when we are in bed and our eyes are getting heavy with sleep.  There are times when we pray a "quick" prayer because we are in a situation and need help from the Lord at that moment.  But most all Biblical examples of prayer involved praying until you have the answer-- no matter how long it takes. 

Jesus often prayed all night.  He prayed for three hours in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Hannah prayed for a child until she appeared to be "drunk" because of the intensity of her prayer.  David prayed for his child until the answer came.  Jeremiah prayed ten days for an answer from the Lord for the people.  Jacob wrestled in prayer with the Lord all night.  These are only a few examples. 

Am I suggesting that we won't get our prayers answered if we don't tarry in prayer for hours or days?  No, but I am saying that if we would learn how to get serious about our prayers and spend whatever time it took to get an answer, we might see more answers than we do.  If we would take prayer seriously things might be a lot different than they are.  After all, isn't the need and the answer worth doing whatever you need to do to see the Lord answer?  Isn't it important enough?

Have a great day.  Is the answer you need important enough to get serious about your praying and spend whatever time it takes in prayer until you get the answer? 

"Starting Point"

"Pray without ceasing".  1 Thessalonians 5:17

There are times in all our lives when we feel as though we have to "regroup".  There are times when we don't know what to do.  There are times when we need guidance and direction.  There are times when we need a "word".  There are times when we need a "fresh start".  We feel as though we have grown weary, negligent and cold.  But how does that happen?  What do we do to get it?  We go back to the "starting point".

The starting point is the foot of the cross.  It is at the foot of the cross, when we humbled ourselves in prayer, that our Christian life began.  In other words, we go back to the Lord in prayer.  Prayer is what got us started-- we prayed to the Lord a prayer of repentance and acceptance of Him as our Savior and Lord.  Now, we have to do the same thing.  We have to go to prayer. 

There are no short cuts.  There is no "quick fix".  There is no alternate route.  Prayer is your answer.  Prayer got you "in".  Prayer will keep you in.  Prayer will direct you.  Prayer will guide you.  Prayer will lift you up.  Prayer will re-align you.  Prayer will give you clarity.  Prayer will give you a fresh start again.

What is your answer?  What do you do?  How do you get refreshed?  How do you get revived?  How do you get direction?  How do you get answers?  You pray.  Sounds simple, but it is the answer and solution.

Have a great day.  Your answer is:  pray!

"Choose Your Priorities"

"But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her".  Luke 10:42

Life is made up of choices.  Choices are based on priorities.  If something is a priority to you then you will more than likely chose to do that. 

Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus.  She made being in His presence her priority.  She chose it first above being in the kitchen working to prepare a meal for Him. 

I am in no way saying that we should neglect our responsibilities.  But we must make sure that when it comes to spiritual things we have our priorities in correct order.  The Lord will not force our priorities on us.  He will not make us chose what is best.  He let Mary and Martha both chose their own priorities when He was in their house.  He will, however, tell us what our priorities ought to be.  He tells us to "seek first His kingdom" and to "love Him" first with all our heart, soul, strength and mind.  But it is up to us whether we do so or not.

Look at your life and assess your priorities.  Is living for self your priority or living for the Lord?  Is following His plan your first priority or following your own plan the priority of your life?  Is it more important for you to seek His will first or do your own thing?  Would you choose to spend time with Him first as opposed to spending time working for Him?  Are you like Mary, choosing the good part first-- being in His presence-- because that is your priority.  His presence should be our first priority.  Then everything else will flow in its proper order from that.

Have a great day.  What is your number one priority?  Is it the Lord's presence? 

"Listen To The Spirit"

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches..." Revelation 2:7

If you listen to the news, if you look at Facebook, if you watch the reels, watch YouTube or are on the internet very much, you have heard plenty of end time words, thoughts on world events and prophecies. Do you feel like you are being bombarded with so much information, theories, prophecies, teaching, educated guesses? I have been hearing everything from the rapture will take place this week or this month, to who the anti-Christ is, to quotes from the Book of Daniel, Revelation and other Bible interpretations. Explanations of how this is playing out, what this will turn into, what to do when it happens. It is getting overwhelming! Who has the truth? Who understands it tall? Just who are we to listen to? 

As I was pondering this, the Lord spoke to me and said--- He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying.  (Let me preface what I am about to say with this-- God does use people, their voices and gives them understanding, but He is not the author of confusion.) He told us to listen to the voice of the Spirit; not the voice of the prophet, the teachers, the politicians, the leaders, the prognosticators, the theologians, the pastors, or anyone else who has a "word" about what is going on. They are not our SOURCE of information. They only make guesses, put puzzle pieces together, try to figure it out, lean to their own understanding, get in the flesh, trust their education. They don't know it all, they don't understand or comprehend it all. They are still seeing through a dark glass. They only know in part.

If we really want to know the truth about what is going on in the world, we are going to have to listen to and give our ear, our whole ear, to hear what the Spirit is saying. He is the Spirit of Truth and He will lead us into ALL truth. He knows the end from the beginning, He knows how the dots are connecting, He knows who's who and what is going to happen next. He is our source to truth and understanding. 

The Book of Revelation deals with the end time events prior to the return of our Lord. In the first few chapters Jesus spoke to seven churches concerning what was to come and what they were to do in light of it. He told each of the seven churches...  "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith." We are those that He was talking to. (The end time church.)  Therefore, this is our instruction in a world that is trying to persuade us that they have it all figured out, all the answers and know what is going on. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit!  

Have a great day. You can't give your ear to everyone. But it is imperative that you give it to the Spirit and listen closely to what He is saying.   

"A Memorial Of Pain"

This morning I have another word from the Lord for someone-- a more specific word.  The Lord says-- somebody used you, abused you, took advantage of you or mistreated you and as a result you have made a "memorial" out of your pain. 

A memorial is: something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event.  Instead of letting what was done to you go and leave it in the past, you have continued to hold on to it.  Instead of forgiving the person and what was done you wear your pain and hurt like a "badge of honor". 

The problem with memorials is that they will dictate your actions, feelings and emotions.  They will take control of your life.  They will never allow you to move forward because you keep visiting and revisiting them.  Each time you do they pull you a little further away-- from everything and everybody, including God and His plan for your life.  Each time you revisit it-- when you think about it-- you rehearse what was done and a stronghold is being set up in your life.    

You are at a standstill spiritually.  You can't seem to move any further with the Lord.  You are constantly going backwards.  You have prayed about it and prayed about it seeking an answer from the Lord but just can't seem to put your finger on what the problem is.  The Lord "sent" me to tell you that this is your problem.  You have made a "memorial" out of your pain. 

When you make a memorial to your pain, you are in fact "worshipping" it.  You give it your time, your attention, you let it hold you back, you let it stop you from moving forward, it basically runs your life.  It calls the shots.  When you say you "can't" let it go, you are really saying two things.  You are saying, "I won't let it go because of the attention it brings me".  Secondly, you are saying that God is not big enough to take care of your pain and hurt.

You have your answer.  Now it is up to you.  Either continue to worship your pain and feel sorry for yourself.  Or let it die-- pull down the "memorial".  Go to God, repent of holding on to it.  Then let Him help you have a funeral for it and bury it once and for all in His love and grace.

Have a great day.  You have made a memorial out of your pain; it is time to stop worshipping it.    

"Let The Chains Go"

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised".  Luke 4:18

Recently we talked about how Jesus sets us free and breaks the chains that hold us in bondage.  This morning I feel impressed that the Lord is saying that He wants to break some chains that are holding you captive.  But you are not letting go of them.  You are holding to those chains, even though you want to be free. 

 

I feel He is saying that you are holding on to them for several reasons.  The reasons:  these chains have been there for so long you have become accustomed to them and don't believe you can function without them.  Also, they have become a "security" to you.  You feel that without them you will not get the recognition, attention or even love that you desire.  The chains are also a tool that you are using to keep others close to you.  Without these chains you feel as if you will lose control of people and situations-- that is manipulation.  You feel that those chains identify you, without them you will "lose" who you really are.

 

None of the above is true.  Chains never "help" us.  They hold us back.  They keep us bound and weighted down.  They stop us from moving forward.  Though they may feel, in some "warped" sort of way, that they are "good" they are not.  Don't be afraid to let them go.  Don't let fear rob you of freedom.  Let the Lord deliver you from them.  When you do, He will open up a whole new world to you.  You will have a new perceptive on life.  You will accomplish and fulfill His plan for your life without hindrance.

Have a great day.  Let go of the chains that are binding you and stop holding unto them. 

 

"Renew Your Vow"

"I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people".  Psalm 116:14,18

Twice in this Psalm are the words above repeated, so let's talk about making a vow to the Lord.  The Bible tells us it is better not to make one than to make it and not keep it.  Vows, or rather the keeping of them, are important to God.  He doesn't take it lightly.  If you make a vow, you expect Him to keep His part.  He also expects you to do the same.

Many people make vows to serve the Lord if He will help them out of some difficult situation.  Some make vows as a "bargain" with God.  If He will "do this" request than they will "do that" act.  The greatest vow that we can make to God is the one to follow Him and serve Him all the days of our lives-- we make it at the moment we receive salvation.

This is the vow I want to talk about this morning.  Are you keeping that vow?  Are you still following Him?  Have you let the cares of this life pull you away?  Have you stopped acknowledging Him in your life?  Have you stopped reading your Bible, praying, going to church, in short, have you stopped fellowshipping and communing with Him?  Do you go for days without thinking about Him?  Are you involved in your own interest and not His?  Are you living according to His will or your own? 

If you are no longer keeping this vow, it is a dangerous place to be.  If you are no longer keeping it, you are missing out on abundant living.  If you are no longer keeping it, you are missing the blessings and peace that come with it.  Most importantly, if you are not keeping it you are missing out on fellowship with the One who loves you more than anything or anyone else. 

Is this you?  Are you the one I am talking about?  If it is, I have good news for you.  You can "pick up" your vow again.  You can renew it.  It is not too late.  He is still there.  He will still allow you to fulfill it.  Just go to Him and ask for forgiveness and start living it again. 

Have a great day.  If you are not keeping the vow you made to the Lord at salvation, it is time to renew that vow. 

"Staying Free"

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound".  Isaiah 61:1

Jesus came to open prison doors to those who were bound and set the captive free.  When we think about His freeing of the captive, we usually think about those who are bound in some sort of addiction-- drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual immorality, etc.  But those are not the only captives He sets free. 

He sets free and breaks the chains of all bondages.  He breaks the chains of unbelief, of self-condemnation, of fear and intimidation.  He breaks the chains of hopelessness, of materialism, of pride, arrogance, conceit and distress.  He breaks the chains of depression, sickness and disease, worry, fear, anxiety, murmuring and complaining.  Anything that can bind us, hold us captive, become a stronghold, imprisons us spiritually, mentally, physically or emotionally, He breaks the chains and sets us free.

When He sets us free, we are free indeed-- we are completely and totally free.  Have you been set free?  Are you still living in that freedom?  If not, it is because you have become entangled again in that yoke of bondage.  How?  By yielding to and giving into the temptation when it came.  By giving into the lust of your flesh when you were tempted.  You forgot that you have been empowered by the Lord Himself and His Holy Spirit to be able to stand and withstand the temptations, the attacks of the enemy and the weakness of your own flesh.  You did not stand in the power, grace, strength and victory that the Lord has already given you.  He has made us more than conquerors in all things.  We have been granted power-- His power-- over all the powers of the enemy.  Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world. 

He sets us free.  He frees us completely.  We have to stand in that freedom and not be entangled again in the things that bind us.  We do that by renewing our minds with God's word, by submitting ourselves to Him and resisting the devil.  We do it by seeking Him first and His kingdom.  We do it also by putting on the full armor and using it when temptations come.  We do it by leaning upon His strength which is made perfect in our weakness.  We are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  When we stand and when we walk in that freedom, the enemy cannot "re-chain" us because we have been set free.

Have a great day.  Jesus came to set the captive free.... once you are free, you are free... so stay free.

For further reading:
John 8:36
Galatians 5:1
1 John 4:4
Luke 10:19
Ephesians 6:11

"Show Me The Evidence"

"For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;  Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth".  Acts 19:24-27

The city of Ephesus was dedicated to the worship of the goddess Diana.  When Paul preached there, those who made their living by making statues and idols of Diana started a riot.  Why?  Their living was being threatened. Their sales were dropping off.  They were not making as much money.  The reason was because people were being won to the True and Living God through Paul's preaching.   

When the people turned to the Lord, there was a change that took place in them.  The change taking place was so obvious that those who merchandised this false idol took note because their business was beginning to suffer.  They had found the truth.  There was evidence that people were getting saved.  The biggest evidence was the transformation that took place in them.  This transformation caused them to stop following the ways of Diana.  They threw away their idols, shrines, trinkets and books.  They longed for the things of God and His teachings.  They desired to now follow Him. 

When Christ comes into our lives, there is a noticeable change that takes place.  Just because you walked an aisle, raised your hand to be saved, joined some church, did some sort of religious observance, believe in the existence of God and say you are saved/Christian but there is no change in you-- you are no different than you were before-- then may I suggest that you relook at your salvation. 

Along with change comes evidence.  Along with salvation comes evidence as well-- a changed and transforming life.  Are you still the same as you used to be?  Do you still think, act, speak and react the way you used to?  Are the things of God or the things of the world what is most important to you?  Are you living a transformed life-- hating what God hates, loving what He loves, living for His will, loving Him and others, throwing away your idols?  The fruit is the evidence of a life given to Christ.  The people at Ephesus had it.... do you?  

Have a great day.  What is your evidence that you are following Christ and that He is living in you? 

"How Are You Waiting?"

"In your patience possess ye your souls".  Luke 21:19

I feel impressed to talk about "waiting" again this morning.  The issue isn't whether or not we will have times of waiting-- life is made up of waiting.  Waiting in line at the grocery store, at the gas station, at the bank, etc.  We wait for vacation time to come, school to get out, a job promotion, an important phone call and appointments.  We wait on the arrival of a new baby, our wedding day, a birthday, Christmas and other important events.  So the issue isn't whether or not you are ever going to have to wait.  The issue is-- how are you going to wait?

There are many ways to wait.  Abraham and Sarah waited with impatience for the promised son and tried to "help" the waiting process.  The Israelites waited in the wilderness with murmuring and complaining.  Joseph, at one point, got tired of waiting-- he asked the butler to remember him to Pharaoh.  While waiting to go to Rome Paul waited in prison but used it to continue his work for the kingdom and write letters to the churches. 

We can patiently wait or impatiently wait.  We can wait with frustration or peace.  We can wait with forbearance or agitation.  We can wait with peace or turmoil.  We can wait with joy or with murmuring and complaining.  We can wait with anxiety or trust.  We can wait in faith or unbelief.  We can't get past having to wait, like I said, "life is made up of waiting".  But how you wait is up to you.  Waiting the right way will make the situation a lot easier and better.  Waiting the wrong way will only make it harder to wait.

Have a great day.  The question is not will you have to wait, but rather how are you waiting. 

"Perfect Change"

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands".  Psalm 138:8

In this verse it says that the Lord will perfect that which concerns us.  I used to focus on the "perfecting" part of the verse.  I need Him to "perfect" me because I am a long way from being perfect.  I have my faults-- which are many.  I make mistakes.  I do things that I wish I didn't and don't do things that I know I should.  I don't always like me or what I do.  I would love to be different and do differently in many areas of my life.  I would like some things to change in my life.  I am sure that I am not the only one who ever feels this way.

We all wish we were different at times.  We all wish that there were some things about us that we can change.  So, the promise of "perfecting" sounds good.  There is a problem though that gets in our way-- when we focus so much on what is wrong with us, we try to "fix" it ourselves.  We try to make ourselves different.  We try to change ourselves.  We try to turn over a new leaf.  We try to do better.  Only to fail in our attempts.  We try really hard but find ourselves in the same old place-- the same attitude, the same feelings, the same shortcomings, etc.

How do we change what is wrong about ourselves?  How do we make any progress in that area?  We change our focus.  Instead of dwelling on the "perfecting" part of the verse, we focus on "the Lord" part of it.  He is the only one who can bring true and lasting change in our lives.  He was the only one who could change us from being sinners to saved people.  He was the only one who could change us from dark to light.  He was the only one who could make us a new creation.  He is the only one who can "perfect" us. 

As we look to Him, as we seek Him, as we allow Him to change us, as we cooperate with what He wants to do in our lives, the change will come.  After all, He is in the transformation business.  He never leaves us like He found us.  He never makes us just better.  He makes us new.

Stop being obsessed with changing yourself.  Place your attention, thoughts and affections on the Lord and while you are doing that, He will be changing you and you may not even notice it until the change has come. 

Have a great day.  Don't struggle trying to change yourself and make yourself perfect.  Focus on the Lord and as you do, He will bring about the change in you.