"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.     

"What's The Problem?"

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

There is no question that we are going to have tribulations, trials, problems and difficulties in this life.  Jesus said we would.  But He also said for us to "be of good cheer because He has overcome the world".  The problems aren't necessarily the problem; the problem is that we focus too much on the problems.

 

Do we have problems?  Yes.  Are they sometimes overwhelming?  Yes.  Do they require our attention? Yes.  Should we just ignore them?  No.  The word this morning is that we need to stop spending so much time focusing on our problems and start focusing more on the One who has overcome the problems.

 

Jesus is the ANSWER to all of life's problems.  He always has been and always will be.  We have become so educated that we no longer believe this "simple truth".  We have become so accustomed to looking to the "arm of flesh" for help that we no longer look to Jesus.  We put our trust and hope in doctors, counselors, self-help programs, the legal system, pills and other substances, financial institutions, deliverance programs and anything else that looks like a quick answer.

I am not saying that there isn't a time to use a doctor.  I am not saying that you shouldn't take medicine.  I am not saying that there isn't a time when you should seek out legal help.  The Lord placed them here for our benefit because we do have problems in this world.  But they are not always going to be able to give us the answer or help that we need.  Jesus is the ANSWER.  There is nothing wrong with going to a professional for help.  It is the "mindset" that we have that is the problem-- the mindset that they can help us, but Jesus can't.

Let me remind you this morning that Jesus is still Almighty God.  He is still able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.  At His name demons flee.  At His command storms cease.  At His word light comes out of darkness.  By His stripes sickness is healed.  By His blood sinners are saved.  He is still the Deliverer.  He still reaches into the pit of despair and lifts out those who are in there.  He still sets captives free.  There is nothing too difficult or impossible for Him.  Sounds to me like He qualifies as the answer to whatever problem we may face.

Have a great day.  Stop focusing so much on your problem and focus on the One who is the answer to the problem-- Jesus.     

"A House Of Prayer?"

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

When Jesus took a whip in hand and ran the money changers out of the temple, He made a statement-- "My house shall be called the house of prayer".  He did not say My house shall be called a house of holiness, a house of good works, a house of peace, a house of righteousness or a house of religion.  He said it would be called a house of prayer.  His emphasis was on prayer because that is the purpose which His Father had designed for His house.

Presently in the churches prayer is talked about but not practiced very much.  Prayer is given less and less attention to in His house.  When I was growing up, and even later in my Christian walk, prayer meetings were common.  Now they are rare. 

Jesus taught the importance of prayer.  He taught it by word and by example.  He often would retreat from the crowds and pray.  He would often pray all night.  He did nothing in His ministry unless He had seen His Father do it and heard Him say to do it.  Where did this happen?  While He was in prayer.

We wonder why we are so powerless-- when in fact we have residing in us the same power that raise Jesus Christ from the dead.  It is because we are "prayer less".  Churches look more like a "den of thieves" than they do a "house of prayer".  That was true in Jesus' day, and it is true in ours.  Jesus corrected it, confronted it and showed us God's primary purpose for His house.  Are we going to follow His plan or will we keep doing everything else and neglect the main thing He calls His house-- a house of prayer.

This does not mean that there is to be no teaching of His word, no exhortation, no fellowship, etc., but if we neglect the main purpose of His house-- assembling together in united prayer and petitioning the God of Heaven for His will to be accomplished-- then everything else we do will be less affective.

Have a great day.  God's house shall be called a house of prayer.  Have we made it everything else but that? 

"The Waiting"

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord".  Psalm 27:14

Waiting is one of those things that hardly anyone likes to do.  We are by nature impatient people.  Our society doesn't help matters with all its "conveniences".  We can have anything and do anything we want in a fraction of time.  Microwaves save us hours of cooking time.  We have drive-thru restaurants, drive-thru banking, drive-thru pharmacies, drive-thru oil change, even drive-thru wedding chapels.  There is also high-speed internet, TV dinners, digital cameras so there is no more waiting to see what your picture will look like, etc. 

Waiting is a hard thing for most of us to do.  I heard a minister recently say, "The only thing harder than waiting on God is wishing that you had".  Those words speak volumes.  As hard as it is to wait, if you don't wait on the Lord-- on His timing, on His plan, on His way of doing it-- when you see the end result of not waiting, or you see what He had in mind if you had waited, it is even harder to deal with.  It is harder to deal with the consequences, the repercussions, the condemnation, the guilt, the blame, the "mess" that came as a result of not waiting on the Lord. 

Abraham and Sarah decided to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting on the Lord to give them the son He had promised to give them.  They produced an Ishmael and gained nothing but trouble, heartache and grief.  We are still dealing with the results of their actions today.  King Saul decided not to wait for the prophet Samuel to return.  He got impatient that Samuel hadn't returned when he thought he would, so he disobeyed the word of the Lord and did not wait.  He wished he had later because God took the kingdom away from him and his descendants. (1 Samuel 13)

You may be in a place of waiting.  Don't get impatient.  Don't try to take matters into your own hands.  Don't try to make something happen. Trust in the Lord.  Wait patiently for Him.  He will do what He said He would do.  He is faithful as promised.  As hard as it is to wait, it will be much harder if you don't.  If you are having trouble waiting, ask Him for strength and grace to wait.  He will give it to you.

Have a great day.  As hard as it is to wait on the Lord, it is much harder if you don't.   

"The Steppingstone Perspective"

"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt".  Genesis 45:7,8

More happened to Joseph during his lifetime than happens to most people.  He was loved by his father.  Hated and betrayed by his brothers.  They wanted to kill him but threw him in a pit instead then sold him to slave traders.  He was bought as a slave and made to serve in Potiphar's house.  He was taken from his home and his father living among strangers.  He was tempted by Potiphar's wife and lied on because he would not give in to her lustful desires.  He was thrown into prison and made to suffer in chains.  Sounds like a hard life.  Sounds like there wasn't anything good about it.  It was filled with choices others made for him and not for himself.  At the end of all these hardships he was promoted to the second highest position in Egypt.  He "ruled" the world. 

It wasn't until the end of his trial that he was able to see the whole picture.  God had a purpose for Joseph and though it looked like others were "doing it to him", it was God sending him ahead to be in place for the great task of saving His people.     

Hindsight is often 20/20 but we don't always have the luxury of living in hindsight.  We live in the "here and now".  Because of this all we see is what is happening in the present and we judge our circumstances accordingly.  Often what we see as bad, from God's perspective He sees it as good.  Don't misunderstand, He doesn't call evil good, but He sees the good that He can bring out of it.  Yes, the brothers did an evil thing, but God brought great good out of it.  Often what we see as a "demotion" God sees as a "promotion".  With each new transition-- from his home, into the pit, then into slavery and next into the prison-- Joseph saw demotion.  It looked like he was getting further and further away from God's plan.  But from God's perspective it was like a steppingstone placing him in the exact position and right place.

Don't get discouraged when things aren't going as you planned.  Don't see the negative in it.  Don't look at it as a demotion.  Don't look at it as just another trying circumstance.  Ask the Lord to show it to you from His perspective.  You might be surprised because it may actually be bringing you one step closer to fulfilling God's plan.

Have a great day. Don't view your trying circumstances as a defeat or demotion, it may be the next steppingstone that is bringing you into your destiny.    

"The Blame Game Perspective"

"And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him".  John 9:2,3

When things go wrong, one of the first things we want to do is play the "blame game".  Whose fault was it?  Who sinned?  The disciples asked Jesus this same question concerning a blind man.  Surely someone was at fault.  Surely this is a punishment for either his own sins or the sins of his parents. 

True enough there are often consequences that we face as a result of committing a sin.  For example, if you break the law, you will face the consequences with either a fine or jail time.  You are at fault and brought this upon yourself-- you are to blame.  True also is the fact that sometimes we face problems that are the fault of someone else.  If a dad is a "dead beat" and won't support his children, they suffer because of him.  This was not their fault but his fault.

But most of what happens to us is not because of any fault of our own or someone else.  We live in a world that is under the curse of sin.  Because of the fall that came with Adam's disobedience the door was open to sickness, disease, hardship, violence, lawlessness, death, etc.  Sickness attacks.  Death comes and claims all ages.  Trials happen.  It is the "fault" and result of living in a sinful world. 

The God perspective doesn't want us to be constantly blaming ourselves or others for the problems we are facing.  We are often blaming the wrong one-- "neither he nor his parents sinned".  God's perspective is that regardless of what happened, why it happened, who caused it to happen, He knows how to turn it around and work it out for good.

If what you are going through is a result of consequences you are reaping because of bad choices, repent and ask the Lord's forgiveness.  If what you are going though is the result of consequences caused by someone else, forgive them.  Otherwise, what you are going through is because you are living in a sinful world, so stop blaming yourself or others.  Trust and believe that even in this the Lord knows how to "manifest His works" and bring glory through it.

Have a great day.  When things go wrong, stop playing the blame game and ask God to do a work in it. 

"Rose Colored Perspective"

"Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead".  John 11:14

We have all heard the expression "looking through rose-colored glasses".  It means that we want to see everything as pleasant, beautiful and going well even when they aren't.  People tend to do this because they don't want to face the reality that things are not well. 

Many Christians are living their lives looking through "rose-colored" glasses.  They see things different-- especially bad things-- than the way they really are.  When something is going bad, they try to confess it away, claim it away, command it to be different or if they just don't talk about the situation it won't exist or it will change.  They conclude that to say something is going wrong is lack of faith.   

Let's talk about this way of thinking from the God perspective.  Let me say that it is not a lack of faith to call black black and white white.  It is not a lack of faith to say you are sick when sickness is in your body.  It is not a lack of faith to say you don't have enough to pay your bills when you don't have enough to pay your bills. 

Jesus did not teach this.  Jesus called things as they were.  "Lazarus is dead!".  He wasn't looking through rose-colored glasses.  He was looking through the eyes of faith and following the word He had received from the Father.  He called it just like it was-- Lazarus is dead... but... we are going to go "wake him". 

Looking through "rose-colored" glasses says there is no problem, everything is lovely, everything is great.  But looking through "blood-colored" glasses (red-glasses, that's what I call them-- looking through the backdrop of the cross, the word of God, and the victorious resurrection of Jesus) we can call things that "are" as though they aren't.  We can say there is sickness, but the Lord is Healer, by His stripes we are healed.  We can say there is a problem, but the Lord is my Helper.   

If there is no problem, why do we need to pray, why do we need the Lord to work on our behalf, how will He get the glory for solving the problem "that doesn't exist"?  Acknowledge the problem, but don't stay there.  Don't keep talking and talking about it.  Don't keep rehearsing it.  Don't get stuck in it.  Acknowledge it and stand in faith concerning it.

Have a great day.  Are you looking at problems through "rose-colored" glasses or through "red glasses" of faith?   

"Jesus Taught God's Perspective"

"But I say unto you..."  Matthew 5:22a

 (The Lord keeps giving me devotions on the subject of God's perspective. So, we will continue to talk about that for a little while.) The word perspective is defined in the dictionary as: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.  So how can we be sure we are seeing things from God's perspective?  How can we be sure we are walking according to the Spirit and not the flesh?  How can we know if the way we handle a certain situation or view it is from our own perspective, a worldly view or God's perspective?

 

We have already said that God's perspective is:  all things work together for our good.  But how do we know that the situation is working together for our good?  When Joseph was betrayed and thrown into the pit by his brothers, he didn't say, "Praise the Lord, this is for my good.  This will take me to the palace where I will rule over all Egypt".  He didn't know that.  He couldn't see into the future.  Remembering that all things work together is the anchor for our faith-- it is where we place our trust in God's faithfulness.  It is the assurance we have concerning the outcome and end result of our situation-- it will work for my good.   

 

But how do we walk the situation out from God's perspective as we move from point A to point Z?  We find that answer in the teachings and example of Jesus.  Fifteen times He used the phrase-- "But I say unto you".  The world says one thing.  Your flesh says one thing.  But God says another thing.  The whole time Jesus was on earth He taught us Kingdom perspective.  He related to us what the Kingdom of God was like and how we are to operate as kingdom people while on earth.  He told us what God's perspective was when He said to love our enemies, go the second mile, vengeance is Mine, when you have treated others kindly you have done it unto Me, blessed are the pure in heart, etc.

 

So, when you are in a situation remember that somehow, some way God will work this out for your good.  And when you don't know if you are walking according to His perspective, go back and see what Jesus said about it.

 

Have a great day.  Jesus told us and showed us what God's perspective is in every situation.     

 

"The Wrong Praying Perspective"

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure".  2 Corinthians 12:7

 We have already determined that there are two perspectives in which we can view a problem, a situation or a circumstance that takes place in our lives.  We can see it from the natural point of view-- fleshly, worldly, emotional and feelings oriented.  Or we can see it from a spiritual point of view-- the way God sees it.

When we see things from a "God perspective" it will change the way we pray.  Our prayers are less likely to be selfish, self-centered, focused around our own personal wants and desires, prayers for deliverance from unpleasant situations, prayers crying out for a life of ease and carefree existence and prayers for abundance and material blessings.  This does not mean that we should not pray for our needs but that will not be our central theme in prayer any longer.

Paul prayed to be delivered from the thorn in the flesh.  He prayed that this messenger of satan would leave him alone.  He prayed that the Lord would remove it.  Three times he prayed this, but God did not.  Paul's perspective of the situation was that this thorn was hindering him from doing his work for the kingdom.  It was in his way.  It was tormenting him.  He was being buffeted by it.  It was taking away his liberty and ability to do what he needed to do. 

God's perspective was different.  God's perspective was-- this thing is necessary, you need it, it will help you stay humble, it will keep you from being exalted in your own eyes because of the revelations I have given you.  Without it, pride can come in and destroy you.  God's perspective was-- I don't have to take it away because my grace and strength will give you all you need to endure it.  God's perspective was -- this is working together for your good, or else I would take it away.

Paul's prayer, and ours, when facing these situations, should be-- what is Your will in this?  What is Your plan through this thing?  Is this allowed by You or is it an attack from the enemy?  Do I depend on Your grace to carry me through it or do I take authority over it?  If Paul had sought the Lord for His perspective in this matter first, he would have saved himself a lot of time and agony praying against it and for its removal.

When we face unpleasant situations, we should pray first to find out how God views it.  That obstinate co-worker may be part of God's plan.  That overbearing friend may be working God's purpose out in your life.  Whatever keeps "buffeting" you may have a part in helping to fulfil God's plan in your life.  If so, don't pray for its removal, pray for God's grace to endure it. 

Have a great day.  When we start looking at our situation from God's perspective, it will change the way we pray.   

 

"The Valley Perspective"

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys".  Song of Solomon 2:1

Valleys, like we already talked about wildernesses, are not places to be dreaded.  It is all about our perspective.  It depends on how you view them.  If you view them through the eyes of the flesh, if you view them through your emotions, if you view them on a natural plain, they will be feared, dreaded and ran from. 

No one wants to go into a "valley", but they are needful.  Everyone wants to stay on the "mountain top".  We can't.  In the natural if you climb a mountain, once you reach a point it is what is called the timberline.  Above that spot nothing grows.  It is barren.  In the spiritual sense the same is true.  Mountain top experiences are good from time to time-- they help us get a breath of fresh air, they let us see from another viewpoint and they give us a temporary boost of the feeling of enthusiasm and victory.  But you can't stay there.

On the other hand, the valley is a place of life.  It is where things grow.  It is where there are green pastures.  It is where the still waters are.  This is the place where we find the Shepherd.

If you are in a valley today, don't dread it, don't complain about it, don't get discouraged about it, look at it from God's perspective and see it as the place of life and growth that it really is. 

Have a great day.  The valley is a place of life, so don't dread it.   

"A Spanking Perspective"

"My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction.  For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth".  Proverbs 3:11,12

I hated getting a spanking when I was growing up.  It did not feel good and was painful!  Now that I am an adult, of course, I no longer get spanking in my body, but I still have a Heavenly Father who will "spank" me from time to time.

The spanking/chastening that He gives doesn't feel very good either.  It hurts.  It hurts my pride.  But I have learned that it is needful, and I have learned how to rejoice when He does.

It is needful because without it I will set my life on a course that will lead me in a wrong direction.  Without it I can bring harm to others.  Without it I will be self-centered, self-willed and bring destruction upon myself.  Without it all others will see is me and not how wonderful He is through me.  It is needful because it puts what has gotten out of line in my life back in order.  It also puts back the fear of the Lord in my life.    

I have learned to rejoice when I am chastened because He loves me and cares about me enough to do it.  If He didn't love me He would not chasten me.  He would allow me to continue to go down a path that will, as I have already said, destroy me.  I have learned to rejoice because it puts "reality" back in my heart.  It helps refocus things.  It helps put what is really important and priority back in its proper place.  It clears the air between me and Him and opens up my spirit to be able to hear Him better.  

When we see the chastisement of God for what it really is and intended by the Father to be, instead of despising it we will be thankful and rejoice that He loves us enough to do it.

Have a great day.  Don't despise the spanking that the Lord gives you.  Be thankful and rejoice that He did. 

"The God Perspective"

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".  Romans 8:28

Yesterday we talked about changing our perspective of the situations that we go through.  I want to continue talking about that this morning.  This is an area that the Lord has been speaking to me about personally as well. 

If we are going to be victorious, if we are going to be transformed spiritually, if we are going to fulfill God's plan, purpose and destiny we are going to have to change the way we view our trials, temptations, situations and circumstances.  We are going to have to stop looking at them through natural "eyes", through our emotions, through the lens of our feelings and at face value.  We have to move past that-- and we can.  We are supposed to because the Word tells us that we don't walk after the flesh but after the Spirit.  We are no longer "natural" men but "spiritual" men living in natural bodies in a natural world, but we are not "of" the world.

What then does it mean to see it from God's perspective?  It means to see things the way the Lord sees them.  Can we do that?  Is that possible?  Not entirely because we aren't God.  We can't see the end from the beginning.  We don't know what tomorrow will bring.  We are not omniscient.  But, nevertheless, we can to a degree see things from His perspective.  He has made that possible.  For us "finite beings", seeing from God's perspective means that we grasp the truth that--- "all things work together for our good".  That is one way we see things from God's perspective. 

We have to come to terms with the fact that we belong to the Lord-- our lives are His to do with them whatever He pleases.  He loves us.  He has our best interest at heart.  He has a plan for us.  There is a destiny that He has determined that awaits us.  He leads, guides, directs and orchestrates things in our lives that fit into His divine purpose for us.  When we truly get ahold of this, then the fact that all things work together for our good becomes our perspective.  This means that whether the thing is good, bad or otherwise, whether it is a pit, a furnace, a wilderness, a valley, a mountain, darkness or light, I know God has a plan for my life and this will work together for my good.  

Have a great day. Seeing from God's perspective means that we understand that all things that we may go through will work together for our good.   

 

"The Wilderness Perspective"

"In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren".  2 Corinthians 11:26

I have a word for someone this morning who is going through a wilderness in their lives.  We all find ourselves in a wilderness at some point.  The word is-- change your perspective of the wilderness.  We often see the wilderness as a place of defeat, despondency, hopelessness and barren.  Let's look at the wilderness this morning from God's perspective.

Sometimes the wilderness we are experiencing is "God intended".  God led the children of Israel into the wilderness through Moses.  The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  When the Lord leads you into the wilderness, He has a purpose behind it.  He does not intend for you to stay there forever.  Jesus only stayed for forty days.  The Israelites stayed forty years because of their rebellion.  

The wilderness is a place where you see God's miraculous provisions.  Jesus was supernaturally sustained by God physically while He was fasting in the wilderness. The Israelites saw the Lord do miracle after miracle during those forty years in providing for them.  They ate manna, supernaturally provided daily.  They drank water from a rock, not a dug well.  Their clothes and shoes didn't wear out.  

The wilderness teaches us how to trust the Lord. Jesus had to trust God to see Him through. Each and every day in the wilderness the Israelites had to trust God to take care of them. 

The wilderness is a place of transformation.   When Jesus came out of the wilderness, He was empowered to start His ministry.  The Israelites were released slaves when they went into the wilderness, but when they came out, they were warriors who conquered the inhabitants of the land. 

The wilderness is a place of victory.  Jesus defeated the devil in every area of temptation while in the wilderness.

I could go on and on, but it would be a book instead of a devotional.  But let the things that we have talked about this morning change your perspective of the wilderness that you are in.  Stop seeing it as a place of defeat but of victory.  Stop seeing it as a place of hopelessness but a place where hope, trust and faith can be renewed. 

Have a great day.  Change the way you look at the wilderness you are going through.    

"Celebrate A True Victory"

" And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it".  Colossians 2:15

Several weeks ago, we celebrated the crucifixion of Jesus-- Easter.  It seems odd to celebrate a death.  Normally we mourn and weep over a death.  But the day Jesus was crucified there was a whole lot of celebrating going on. 

The Jews, namely the Pharisees, were celebrating because this "deceiver" who claimed to be God was finally out of their way.  They celebrated the fact that the people would turn back to them as their "voice from God".  They celebrated what they thought was a victory-- a victory for them and their religion.

The devil and demons celebrated.  They celebrated because they had "defeated" God.  They celebrated because they had killed the Son of God and now satan would have the power that he always wanted-- to exalt his throne above the Most High.  They celebrated what they thought was a victory-- a victory over God Himself because they knew who Jesus was.

For those of us who follow Jesus our celebration was not because an enemy has been killed.  It was not because a deceiver got what he deserved.  It was not because a foe is out of the way and we don't have to be bothered by him again.  We celebrated because we know that it wasn't men who killed Jesus-- it was the will of the Father that He die for our sins.  We celebrated because our relationship with the Father has been restored through His death.  We celebrated because we can now enjoy eternal life.  We celebrated because our enemies have been defeated.  We celebrated because the great love of the Father has been extended to us.  We celebrated because through His death and resurrection we see how Mighty, Victorious, and Glorious Jesus really is-- He is Who He said He was and did what He said He would do.  When we celebrated Jesus' death and resurrection, we were not celebrating something that we only "think" was a victory, but what truly was and still is a victory!

Have a great day.  We have reason a to celebrate the death of Jesus-- daily-- because it is a time to celebrate a victory!

"Acquainted With Both"

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not".  Isaiah 53:3

While the cross was the place where the payment for our sins was made, there was much more happening at the crucifixion.  It was there where we see how acquainted with what we face that Jesus was.

He knows exactly where you are, how you feel and what you are going through. He knows what it is like to agonize over the will of God-- if it be possible let this cup pass from me.  He knows what it is like to be falsely accused.  He knows what it is like to be betrayed by someone you are close to-- betrayed with a kiss.  He knows what it is like to walk the long rode of suffering.  He knows what it is like to be abandoned by those whom you love.  He knows what it is like to be mocked, ridiculed, beaten, cursed, made fun of, bullied and blasphemed.  He faced it all.  No one else may know what you are going through, but He does-- He's been there and done that.

But He also knows what it is like to be victorious.  The empty tomb showed us that.  He was victorious over all the things we have named.  Yes, He went through them, but He came out on the other side victorious.  Yes, He suffered, but He was still victorious.  Through the crucifixion and the resurrection we see suffering and victory. 

When we look at our lives, sometimes we only see the suffering-- the cross we are bearing.  But keep in mind, through the suffering, that there is also victory-- an empty tomb.  Jesus suffered for us.  He took our sins, bore our shame and guilt, suffered and bleed for us on the cross.  But He also rose from the dead victoriously for us.  So that sin could not destroy us, condemnation could not defeat us and death could not overcome us.  He turned His victory over to us so now, though these things "touch" us, we can still walk through them victoriously.   

Have a great day.  There may be a cross in your life but there is also an empty tomb.  
 

"My Gethsemane"

"And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt".  Matthew 26:39

We all come to a place in our lives where some things have to be settled.  I am primarily referring to the fact that we have to settle in our hearts that we are going to follow the Lord and surrender to do His will no matter what or what it may cost us.

For Moses this place of "settling" was on the back side of a desert at a burning bush.  For Joseph it was in Potiphar's house.  For Daniel it was "settled" in Babylonian captivity.  For the three Hebrews it was while standing before the threat of a fiery furnace.  For Jesus it was in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Sometimes we wonder why we are going through certain trials or are in a hard place.  It is in that place that the decision to surrender to the Lord is settled.  It doesn't, and didn't for the ones we named above, happen on a bed of ease and comfort.  It happened in the wilderness, in the dry places, in the threat of destruction, in a captive place, etc.-- this was each ones Gethsemane.  We all have to come to our own "Gethsemane".  Our Gethsemane may be on our job when we have to chose between the will of God and our bosses demands.  It may come when the doctor tells us we only have months to live.  It may come when a spouse walks out on us.  It may come when we find ourselves facing homelessness.  Regardless of how it comes, when it does, we have to make a decision.  We have to either turn away from the will of God and following Him; or we have to settle it in our own hearts and declare-- "nevertheless, not my will but Thine".

Have a great day.  We all have to come to our own Gethsemane-- the place where we settle in our own hearts that we will surrender to the Lord's will.
 

"It Shows Us God"

"Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him".  John 9:3

If there had not been a Red Sea in front of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt, they would have never seen that God is the great way maker-- making a way even where there seems to be none.

If Joshua and the Israelites had not faced the walls of Jericho, they would have never known that what looks impossible for men is possible for God. 

If Daniel had not been thrown into the lion's den, he would not have known that God is the great protector-- able to shut the mouths of lions. 

If the three Hebrews had not been thrown into the fiery furnace, they would never have known the great delivering power of the Lord.

If the disciples had not faced the storm, they would not have seen the mighty power that the Lord has even over nature.

If Lazarus had not died, Mary and Martha would not have seen the power that the Lord has even over death.

The point I am trying to make is this:  without facing some problem, some obstacle, some trial, some difficulty, something that looks like it will destroy you, you will never see the power and glory of God. 

The blind man, because of his blindness, saw the healing power of Jesus.  The lame man, because he was lame, experienced the healing power of the Lord.  Mary Magdalene, because she was demon possessed, saw the delivering power of the Lord. 

It is in facing those hard times that the glory of God can be revealed.  It is like the song says, "If I never had a problem, I wouldn't know that Jesus could solve them".  This is one way all things work together for our good.  The thing that you are going through is an opportunity to see the delivering, healing, overcoming, glorious power of the Most High God.

Have a great day.  It is only when we face trying situations that we see God as we may have never been able to see Him otherwise.   

"He Leaves A Sign"

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus".  Acts 4:13

When my grandchildren were little and would come to visit, after they left it was obvious that they had been. Every time they would come and go from my house there was evidence that they leave behind. There were still signs that they had been here-- a scooter in the yard, dirty cereal bowls, toys on the floor, lip prints on the mirror, etc.  

I want to ask you a couple of questions this morning.  If you say that Jesus is in your life (you are a Christian) then that means His presence dwells within you.  Is there any evidence of that?  Is there evidence that He is "in the house"?  As a Christian we should have a daily encounter with the Lord-- it is called our prayer time.  In prayer we meet with Him in a special way.  As we do, He ministers to us, enlightens us, directs us and transforms us.  When you come out of your time of prayer (prayer closet, war room, whatever you call it), is there any evidence in your life that you have been with Jesus?  

His presence always leaves a "sign" behind.  Read the New Testament.  Everywhere Jesus went lives were changed, touched and transformed.  It was obvious that Jesus had been there.  The same should be said of us.  It should be obvious to others that Jesus is with us and has been with us.  There should be some "sign" of His presence.  That sign is a transformed life.  Therefore, there should be some change in our attitude, in our actions and reactions, in our conduct, in our treatment of others, in our love level, and so on.  My grandchildren left signs of their presence.  Why wouldn't Jesus leave signs that He has been with us?   

Have a great day.  Is there any sign in your life that you have been with Jesus?   
 

"Late's Not Always Better"

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"  2 Corinthians 6:2

I am a little late this morning in getting the devotional out, but "better late than never".  We have all heard that said.  With some things that is true.  It is better to be a little late in sending out the devotional than to not send it out at all.  It is better to show up late to an event than not to show up at all.

But that philosophy isn't accurate all the time.  It doesn't apply to everything.  Your salvation is one of those things that you cannot apply this way of thinking to.  If you wait too late, you will not have salvation.  You will never receive it. 

Some think they can wait until they are at the end of their lives-- after they have done all that they wanted to do and accomplish.  Some think that they can wait until their "death bed"-- many people don't have that opportunity.  Some think that after they leave this life they will get a second chance-- that is false. 

If you don't receive Jesus as your Savior while there is still time.  If you are thinking about waiting.  If you are putting it off.  One day it will be too late.  You will never have it.  Don't be late.  Don't let the end of your life come without having received eternal life.  There is no "better being late" when it comes to your soul.

Have a great day.  Better late than never does not apply to your salvation.  If you wait too late to receive salvation it will be too late and you will never receive it.    
 

"The Lord Helps Us"

"....The Lord is my helper..."  Hebrews 13:6

There are many sayings that we have and think they are scriptural.  One is-- "The Lord helps those who help themselves".  This is not a scripture.  It isn't even true.  The truth is-- "The Lord helps those who can't help themselves". 

None of us are able to "help ourselves".  When it comes to salvation and eternal life, we can't help ourselves.  We can't save ourselves.  We can't work enough.  Do enough good.  Be righteous enough.  It took God sending His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins that made it possible for us to be saved.

There is no area of accomplishment in our lives that we can take credit for.  It is the Lord who gives us the power to get wealth.  It is the Lord who gives us health and healing.  It is the Lord who gives us wisdom.  It is the Lord who directs our steps-- we don't have that ability.  It is the Lord who gives us strength to continue on when we want to quit and give up.  It is the Lord who goes before us making the crooked paths straight. 

He imparts to us and infuses us with the help that we need when we need it because we are helpless on our own apart from Him.  Only the fool and the wicked would say that they don't need His help and they can do it on their own.  Only the misinformed believe that He will help them as long as they are trying to help themselves.  I for one am thankful that this is not the case.  I need His help because I can't help myself.... and He knows that.

Have a great day.  The Lord helps those who can't help themselves.    

For further reading: 
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day". (Deuteronomy 8:18)

"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)

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps".  (Jeremiah 10:23)

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

"Your Daily Inheritance"

(NOTE:  In the CB entitled- "Rearranged Plans" the scripture reference should have been Exodus 13:17) 

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints".  Ephesians 1:18

The Bible tells us that there is an eternal inheritance laid up for those who are born again and serve the Lord.  But we also get to enjoy the benefits of that inheritance here and now.  This morning when you woke up, you woke up to an inheritance- a spiritual inheritance.  That inheritance includes peace, strength, grace, mercy, benefits, provision, etc.  It is all available to you-- it belongs to you.  The question is, "What are you going to do with your inheritance today?". 

Are you going to use it?  Are you going to hold on to it for another time, or a rainy day?  Are you going to ignore that it is there?  The Lord daily loads us with benefits.  They are there for the asking.  They are there for us to use.  They are there to help meet the needs that we have.  For example, when you face fear today, are you going to "withdraw" peace from your inheritance and get rid of the fear?  Or will you let peace "set in the bank" and allow fear to take over?  If you need strength today, will you make a withdrawal on your inheritance and use the strength that is available for you? 

This inheritance you have is inexhaustible.  It is there for you to use.  It has been provided for and paid for fully by the blood of Jesus.  God doesn't intend for you to let it sit there unused.  It is a gift from the Father to you.  He wants you to "cash it in" and use it in order to walk in abundant life each day.

Have a great day.  Are you withdrawing from your inheritance each time you need it, or are you letting it just sit there?   

For further reading:
"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ".  Colossians 3:24

"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God".  Ephesians 5:5

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time".  1 Peter 1:3-5

"Rearranged Plans"

"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt".  Numbers 13:17

When things don't go according to your plans, when appointments are changed, when you are delayed, when a meeting is cancelled, how do you react?  What type of attitude do you get?  Most of us get frustrated, angry, critical, mad, anxious, worried or irritated.  Is this the attitude we should have if we are a born-again Christian?  What should our attitude be?

We say we trust the Lord but do we when our plans seem to be "rearranged".  The Bible says that the Lord directs our steps.  We either believe this or we don't.  If we do, our attitude will be different than the one I described earlier.  If He is directing your steps, then instead of getting angry about a canceled appointment maybe it means that you didn't need to go.  Instead of getting frustrated because traffic delayed you from getting to a meeting on time, maybe it was God's way of protecting you from an accident that morning.  I'll never forget the time several years ago that my husband was to have a certain medical procedure.  We made the early trip out of town to the hospital.  We filled out all the paperwork.  He was prepped for the procedure.  Then the doctor came in and said they weren't going to do it that day we would have to reschedule it.  Honestly, it was frustrating.  Making the trip unnecessarily was an inconvenience.  We felt like the time was wasted, etc., etc.  But later we discovered that the reason things were delayed was because they may have done a procedure on him that was not necessary.  Because when we had the test later, all was fine. 

I am sure you have your own similar story.  Delays that worked for your good.  Interruptions that prevented you from being hurt.  Cancellations that put you at the right place at the right time. These things aren't just happening to us, they are happening for us--- for our good, on our behalf. 

So, the next time you are tempted to get a bad attitude over things not going according to your plan, stop and thank the Lord that your steps are directed by Him and He is leading them down a perfect path whether you can see it as such or not.

Have a great day.  Rearranged plans don't just happen to us, often God is behind them working them together for our good.   

"A Dangerous Intersection"

"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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 12:8,9

We would all agree that Paul was a man of faith, right?  He had a close intimate relationship with the Lord.  The Lord did miracles through him.  He wrote most of the New Testament.  He suffered for the cause of Christ.  He had spiritual revelation and was even caught up into heaven.   Yet, when he prayed for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, it wasn't.  He even prayed three times and it remained.

Prayer is not some sort of "magic formula" that we say and instantly, automatically our requests are answered and answered exactly the way we want.  When we pray and the outcome is not as we had hoped, when the situation does not change, when God gives us an answer that we weren't expecting, we find ourselves at a "dangerous intersection". 

Do you ever wonder why many people who were once sold out to the Lord have now turned from Him?  One of the reasons is because they came to this "intersection".  The Lord didn't answer in the way they wanted or thought He would so they weren't willing to accept it as His will. Instead they got angry and bitter toward Him.  Which led them to turning from Him. 

When God doesn't answer like we want Him to, or think He should, we have to make a choice-- which direction at this intersection will we take.  Will we accept the will of God and know that His grace is sufficient, His strength will there for us and all things will work together for our good?  Or will we get angry at Him and turn from Him?  Paul chose to accept the will of God and continue on.  As a result, the power of God rested upon him.  Which direction will you choose?

Have a great day.  When you come to the place where God's will is contrary to the answer you wanted to hear, will you continue to walk with Him or turn from Him?
 

"Waiting Is Working"

"And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up".  Exodus 40:36,37

Many of God's people are in a place of waiting.  They are waiting for the Lord to move them into their next assignment, their destiny, the place of ministry or the plan He has for them.  They are waiting on His timing before they can make the next move forward.

It's in these times of "waiting" that we must be careful and guard against getting frustrated, anxious, impatient and the temptation to "move out" and "do something".  That is one of the hardest things for most of us to do-- be still and wait.  We want to be doing something for the Lord.  We want to be working.  We find it hard to sit still and, as we think, "do nothing". 

Let me encourage you this morning that it is just as much an act of obedience to do nothing as it is to do what He tells you to do.  Waiting is as much the will of God as working is.  The children of Israel, when they were in the wilderness, were told to keep their eyes on the cloud-- the Presence of the Lord among them.  They were instructed not to move on in their journey if the cloud remained still.  They were instructed to move and go forward to another place when they saw the cloud move.  They were following the Lord--- even when the Lord wasn't leading them to move.

The safest place on earth is in the will of God.  The will of God is not always about going, working or doing.  The will of God is as much about being-- being still unless He has told you to go.  So, rest in the Lord; don't get frustrated; don't be anxious; don't get condemned and feel as if you are doing nothing for Him; don't have the mentality that says loving the Lord means you have to constantly be doing something for Him.  When He wants you to move, He will let you know just like He did the Israelites.  Trust in the Lord.  Wait upon the Lord.  Be at peace in Him.  Learn what He wants you to learn by waiting.  Be still and just enjoy His presence until HE gives you the orders to move. 

Have a great day.  Our doing nothing but waiting on the Lord's timing to move is as much obedience to the will of God as our always having to do something for Him. 

"Peace Before Or After?"

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee".  Isaiah 26:3

The key to keeping in peace is keeping your mind on the Lord.  When situations arise, you can either keep pondering the situation or ponder the greatness of the Lord.  You can either fear the situation or trust the Lord.  You can either allow the situation to consume you and overwhelm you or you can turn to the Lord.  You can either focus on the problem or focus on the Lord.

When the disciples were in the boat during the storm that threatened to drown them, they focused on the storm.  They forgot the words of Jesus that they were going to reach the other side.  As a result, they became fearful.  The disciples were afraid, but Jesus was in the back of the boat asleep.  When they woke Him, He calmed the storm and peace returned to the sea.

During the storms of life, which would you rather be like--- the disciples who had peace after the storm or Jesus who had peace during the storm?  It is possible to have peace during the storm.  (That is what the Lord wants for us.)  Storms will always come to our lives, they will always threaten to destroy us, they can stir fear in our hearts, they may last longer than a night, but we can still have peace while they are raging.  Jesus did.  If He is living in your life, then know this-- He still has peace today, He is the Prince of Peace.  Allow His peace which passes understanding to give you peace during the storm.  You do this by keeping your heart and mind focused on Him, on His word, on His promises and on His power instead of the storm.

Have a great day.  Would you rather have peace during the storm or after it has passed?

"A Voice In The House"

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet...". Isaiah 58:1a

A pastor friend of mine called me a while back and was telling me how the Lord protected him and his family during a tornado.  He took his family into the hall of the house and there he prayed for the Lord's protection, quoted scriptures and encouraged his family by reminding them of what God had said in His Word.  Then he made a statement that leaped out at me.  He said-- "he was the voice in the house" during the storm.  He was the one voice for them all that called out to God above the storm, above the fear and above the situation that was taking place around them.   

There has to be a "voice in the house" when we are going through difficulties.  There has to be a voice to remind us of God's goodness, faithfulness and promises.  There has to be a voice to encourage us.  Someone has to proclaim and say what the Lord says.  Someone has to lift up their voice in praise.   Someone has to quote the scriptures to the circumstances.  Someone has to cry out to and call upon the Lord.  We can't be quiet.

Our own nation's history has taught us that there has to be a voice for things to change or to make things happen.  Behind every worthy cause there has been a voice.  The Founding Fathers had a voice against the King of England in order to bring about our independence.  The Civil Rights movement had a voice in its leaders to bring about equality for all men and women.  The Bible records that God sent a voice, Moses, to Pharaoh to let His people go.  God used a voice/shout to bring down the walls of Jericho.  God sent a voice in John the Baptist to prepare the way of the coming Messiah.  In the end of time the Spirit and the bride lift up their voices with an invitation to come and take of the water of life freely. 

We can't keep quiet when the storm is raging, when the enemy is fighting, when sickness is attacking, when the fire is burning, when the lions are roaring, when the situation looks hopeless.  We must BE the voice in the house and call out to God, praise Him, declare His goodness and speak His word. 

But we can't be the same kind of voice as Eve who carried on a conversation with the enemy.  We must follow the example of Jesus who "voiced" to the devil in the wilderness-- "It is written".  Jesus was the voice in the boat-- "Peace Be Still!".  Jesus had a voice at the cross that secured our salvation-- "It is finished!" Be the voice in your home.  Be the voice which speaks to the situation.  Be the voice that speaks life, freedom and victory.  Don't stay quiet.  Speak to those things.  Open your mouth, the word of faith is in it.  Speak to that mountain.  Be not silent.

Have a great day.  Is there a voice in the house?