Reflections
Articles on this page:A Dark Road
Love
Learn from Trials
Thy Kingdom Come
It Is Well
Which Reality
Who is Jesus
Balance
In Faith
Back on Track
He's My King
Perfect Peace
Two Men
Attitude of the Heart
Can You Imagine
Not My Will
Peace
Bartimaeus
Immeasurably More
The Heavens
Eagles
March 6
March 5
March 4
March 3
March 2
March 1st
Febrary 29th
February 28th
February 27th
February 26th
February 25th
February 24th
february 23rd
February 22nd
February 21st
February 20th
February 19th
February 18th
Day 40, February 9, 08
February 8, 2008
February 7, 2008
February 6, 2008
February 5, 2008
February 4, 2008
Fasting
February 3, 2008
February 2, 2008
February 1, 2008
Day 31
Day 30
Day 29
Day 28
Day 27
Day 26
Day 25
Day 24
Day 23
Day 22
Day 21
Day 20
Day 19
Day 18
Day 17
Day 16
Day 15
Day 14
Day 13
Day 12
Day 11
Day 10
Day 9
Day 8
Day 7
Day 6
Day 5
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1
No Greater Love
Add to your faith virtue
Waiting in Hard Times
Ascribing Great Worth
The Good Samaritan
Thoughts for 2007
Can the Church Contain God?
Intentional Investments
Faith and Truth
An Accommodating God????
The truth about ?Who You Are?
A Look at Jesus
A Personal Testimony
TRANSFORMATION
Scripture Message
The Fight
HE'S ALIVE
Questions
Are We Ready
God's Will
The Potential Bride
Marketplace Transformation
Just a Thought
A Dark Road
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10Have you ever been in a place where you can not think; a place where your questions out weigh answers; a place that seems hollow and void and where your voice is the only one you hear.
Many have survived trial after trail with only questions, but they continue to move forward; stopping or going back is not an option. This difficult and sometime long road is like a very dark night and few will avail themselves to journey on its small path. If given the chance, no one would ever travel on this rocky road. Everything changes on this path, your direction, your location, your destination, your perspective but most especially your heart. The mind perplexed not understanding, yields to trust; the will, loosed from worldly glamour, hangs on Christ alone for its’ only source of strength; while the shattered emotions are established, with a deeper dependency on the love and reality of God.
Jesus walked from the garden, deserted by his followers, to the scourging post and on to the cross and into hell, before returning to His eternal heavenly home. By nature, humans want things to go well, to be easy and comfortable and some are not willing to endure the scourging and some do not want their souls to be crucified, but, it is only upon this dark rough road where the human soul is broken.
The few who journey this heart breaking road will think they have been removed from God’s side and from those around them, when in fact they are being drawn ever so close to the heart of God and are being repositioned for a new work. So, continue to stand, continue to trust, and look to Jesus who is your defense and your protection. Jesus moved through it all and so will you by God's grace.
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Love
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”Have you ever been the undeserved target of someone with pent up anger and bitterness against you. Where did Saul get the idea David was against him? Was it something David did, or rather something Saul perceived? Was Saul jealous of David? Was a prideful envy squelching a once loving relationship?
We live in a fallen world where we are surrounded by injustices of all kinds and we can selfishly justify our actions. It is always a challenge when we build close relationships with others; people can neither love us enough nor fill our needs. Life is give and take, and Jesus taught us to surrender to love and to be merciful and kind to those who despitefully use us. When wronged we might say “I don’t deserve being treated this way,” but Jesus didn’t deserve to die on a cross either. We must constantly surrender our soulish needs for the sake of love.
A kind old man took care of his sickly wife for over sixty-five years; in their life together they had endured many difficult circumstances, including the loss of their teenage son. In their old age, neither the difficulties nor the hardships seemed to be important. In the old man’s confused world, it was her loving arms caressing him that he remembered; it was her love that bought sweet comfort silencing his anxieties. It was the language of love that communicated into the dementia when words no longer could. Love is the most powerful force on the planet and can break every barrier.
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Learn from Trials
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.We all have gone through trials and testing and many have come through even adversity. It was hard but you did come through. People are not born into a blessed state; they are born sinners with hearts and minds against God and His righteousness.
Those whom God is able to mold, will be those God will continue to grow and stretch. When we were young children, we all fell down many times before we walked and as children made many mistakes. We all went through hardships, disappointments, failed attempts which molded us into the person we ultimately have become.
When you fall over and over again, do you get up and try again, have you learned, or do you just stay there? There is preparation we must go through to build character, stamina, patience, and a strong dependence upon God. The word says, “Train up a child in the way he should go” Training is hard work and stretching is painful.
When I was learning how to walk after my knee replacement surgery, the physical exercises were extremely painful. Day after day I needed to do a little more, work a little harder, bend a little further. Every day my muscles were being stretched and kept active so the muscles would not freeze, leaving me crippled. Each day was a little bit easier, until finally my leg was restored, healed and normal.
Training is hard work but you learned how to walk and talk and have suffered through many trials; being born into the kingdom of God was only the beginning, but becoming a healthy mature child of God takes hard work and endurance. God will finish what He starts, but we must cooperate in the training.
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Thy Kingdom Come
"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (KJ)"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3: 7-8 (KJ)
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” Romans 12:16 (KJ)
“Thy kingdom come” was spoken out of the mouth of God. The creator Emmanuel, God with us, has spoken, it will happen. His Kingdom come, His will be done in earth as it is in heaven!
So be not wise in your own eyes but fear the Lord and abstain from every worldly way. Just like the navel is the means by which a mother supplies nourishing life to the child within her womb; and just as marrow supplies necessary nourishing moisture to healthy bones; fearing God and abstaining from evil, brings nourishing life to each child of God who lives as God Himself showed us.
When you were a child, you spoke like a child and acted like a child, but when you became an adult, you put away childish things. When you were lost in your sin, deceived and blinded by this world, you sounded like the world and operated in worldly ways; but when you were saved, did you put away your worldly garment?
You are connected to God by a lifeline that supplies your every need. God’s kingdom culture provides protection and provision and you have actually been set apart for Kingdom purposes. Are you being used as a vehicle for His will to be effectively achieved? It is time to just say “no” to the world; so mind not the high and lofted things but humble yourselves and deny that old man and allow God’s grace to facilitate every day of your life. Let His creative words, His amazing love, His great grace, His incredible mercy, His flawless wisdom, and His human humility flow through you, advancing His kingdom day-by-day and moment-by-moment.
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It Is Well
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well.” It is well, with my soul. No matter what my lot, God alone has taught me to say, it is well with my soul. A Soul still hurts and tears still come, "but Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul.
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: if Jordan above me shall roll, no pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, the sky, not the grave, is our goal, Oh trump of the angel, oh voice of the Lord, blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul." Words by Horatio G. Spafford 1873.
Begin, continue, and end every work, purpose, and plan with God. Keep your mind fixed upon Him and He will make your path straight. Self-sufficiency and self-confidence have been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall. Man's sin has been to live independently and without God in this world. Fully acknowledge God in every aspect of your life.
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Which Reality
Dearly Beloved, “ live in harmony with one another; love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord...” 1 Peter 3: 8-9, 12-15
When no one else sees, God sees. I remember when I was a child; I would hide under my covers, thinking no one could see me. Childish thoughts are innocent, but when we move from childhood into adulthood, innocent misunderstandings need to fade in light of the truth. The Lords see all things and is against all those who do evil so,“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” The Lord is your rampart and your shield; He is the lifter of your head and the guard around you. His rod and staff will comfort you; He goes before you and follows you all the days of your life. What good thing will He withhold from those He loves?”
Good things in God’s eyes are different from good things in the world’s eyes. Everything you see was originally created good, but when sin distorted the elements of creation, humanistic brain washing distorted our minds. Do you see what God sees? Which reality are you looking at; the reality of the Kingdom of God, or the reality of this world? God is interested in your character; he is honing a bride for His son. Are life's difficulties increasing your spiritual strength and faith? Are you traveling on the road less traveled? Are we making tough decisions and resisting compromise with worldly ways? Is loving others the foremost thrust in your life? Is the world from under the blanket the world you perceive?
Be prepared to answer everyone who asks to give the reason for the hope you have.
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Who is Jesus
I received this in a email. It is worth readingWho is Jesus? _HE IS JESUS _WHO IS HE? _IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE. __
IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE NORMAL CONCEPTION; __IN PHYSICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN; __
IN ECONOMICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD; __IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS, __
IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END; __
IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL BE
CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE; __
IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM; __SO, WHO IS HE? _HE IS JESUS! __JOIN ME AND LET'S CELEBRATE HIM; HE IS WORTHY. __
THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL NOT BEHOLD EVIL, THE HAND THAT WILL SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY SHALL NOT LABOR IN VAIN, AND THE MOUTH SAYING AMEN TO THIS PRAYER SHALL SMILE FOREVER. _
REMAIN IN GOD AND SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS. _AMEN __
IN GOD I'VE FOUND EVERYTHING! __
The Greatest Man in History _
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master. _
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. _
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. _
He had no army, yet kings feared Him. _
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. _
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. _
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. _
I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us! _
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Balance
“The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Proverbs 11:1-3Do you know how hard it would be to walk down a flight of stairs if you had lost your equilibrium? Life, as we know it, depends on balance and when these balances are disturbed noticeable consequences result. There are balances in nature, balances in eating, balances in nutrition, pressure balances, balance in walking, balance sheets, and balance in relationships. God first created man for himself, then He created a partner, then added children and then outreach. When God’s order is sustained restful balance will be maintain.
God never tugs and never gives you more than you can bear. His yolk is easy and His burden is light. He gently leads but Satan on the other hand, tugs hard and adds and adds and adds until there no longer is time to sit at the feet of Jesus, no longer time to spend with your spouse, no longer time to love on your kids; and we find ourselves falling down the stairs because life extremes have thrown our equilibrium off kilter. If we only ate carrots, we would turn orange. Well, if you are turning orange, stop eating so many carrots. All extremes are harmful and will disturb stability.
So how, as believers, do we keep and maintain equilibrium? Look to Jesus who humbly served, gently guiding and teaching those He loved. He neither hurried through anything nor had a thousand things on His plate, but He maintained peace as He trusted in His Father. God sees everything you are experiencing. Are you trusting Him to answers your questions, are you praying for His solutions to your needs, are you maintaining His peace in your daily life?
God’s word is true and trustworthy. Life is fragile and equilibrium can be lost if not careful. He has said He would care for you and supply every need. He has a plan for your life. Let God give you the accurate weights; they will always sustain balance.
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In Faith
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— John 1:12_ NIVThe existence of something is reality and whether one knows of it or believes in it does not change fact. The cell is the smallest living thing and humans are composed of roughly 10 trillion cells divided into about 200 different types. Our muscles are made of muscle cells, our livers of liver cells, and there are even very specialized types of cells that make the enamel for our teeth or the clear lenses in our eyes. Long before you and I were aware of cells, they existed. I don’t know much about them and certainly can’t fathom the complexities of how they work, but whether I understand or not, believe it or not, accept it or not, they exist.
The same is true about heaven and hell. Heaven and hell are real places and just because someone doesn’t believe they exist, doesn’t negate the reality of their existence. The word heaven is mentioned 606 times in the NIV Bible, and hell or hades is mention 54 times in the KJ Bible. Jesus spoke of hell more then heaven.
A few years ago I read the book “90 Minutes in Heaven.” The author was in a serious car accident and actually was pronounced legally dead, and for 90 minutes he was absent from this world but fully alive in heaven. His description of who and what he saw are truly amazing. My mother’s nurse, who previously had worked on the oncology floor of the hospital, had many experiences with dying patients. I asked her if there was any truth to the stories I had heard about people seeing angels etc. moments before death. She said, “Oh yes, some would see family members or children they had lost in the room while others vividly saw angels.” They could see things she couldn’t.
Two real places Heaven and Hell. Heaven, a place where God will dwell with His created beings forever, a beautiful place, free from bondage, disease, pain and evil of all kinds, where love and goodness abound and life will be as originally designed.
Hell, was never meant for human beings but was a place designed for Satan and the fallen angels to receive their eternally punished. It is a place of torment, anguish, horror and regret, where the fires and thirst cannot be quenched.
God wills that none shall perish but all have eternal life; we all must choose either to be with our creator or separated from Him. Why would anyone choose not to accept this free gift of salvation? Why wouldn’t anyone accept purity over evil; love over hate, life over punishment, joy over grief and pain? Neither do I have all the understandings nor do I have all the answers to the mysteries of God, but I can and have accepted them in faith. Jesus offers heaven to each of us; it is His gift to you. Have you received it?
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Back on Track
And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD. For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Jeremiah 6:12-18 (KJV)We have all fallen short of the glory of God and all like sheep have gone astray. No matter if others say, “that’s all right,” sin is sin no matter if one believe it or not. In this passage God’s people aren’t ashamed of their behavior and don’t know how to blush. What they are watching and doing doesn’t embarrass them anymore because they had grown tolerant of evil. No matter what the world thinks, there is a Holy God who says, “There is a right road, walk on it.”
The flesh wants to do what the flesh wants to do, and the mind, most of the time, is in full agreement with the flesh. The Spirit of God says, “No, stop, it’s wrong,” but the still small voice is being ignored. God has sent Godly leaders who proclaim truth; are we listening, are we turning off our TV or switching the channel? There are spiritual shepherds, as we have recently learned, who are preaching out of their woundedness rather than adhering to the Word of God.
In verse 16, God says, we are to stand by the way and see and ask for the ancient paths. We are not to go on, we are to go back. Go back to the ancient paths; go back to the Word of God. Remember when Isaac, in Genesis 26, was looking for water for his flocks; he went back and reopened the wells his father had dug. There he found fresh water for his sheep.
In a day when so much error is coming at us, stop, turn back to God’s Word, and listen to His voice. Do not let the flesh dictate what you should or should not do, but trust in God alone, always listening and responding to His still small voice. Relativism has brain washed much of America and put her off course and the only way for her to move forward is by turning back to her roots, once again becoming a nation under God.
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He's My King
This is one of my favorites. Take a minute to listen, but ponder Christ all day.http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/114/thats-my-king/
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Perfect Peace
“Open the gates, that the [uncompromisingly] righteous nation which keeps her faith and her troth [with God] may enter in. You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages).” Isaiah 26:2-4 Amplified BibleThen He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them,“Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40 (NKJV)
Perfect peace sustains a restful assurance even through the most difficult of storms? Peace from God comes when the heart and mind trusts Him completely. The natural heart and mind is fickle and jumps from one thing to the next constantly leaning on human understanding and human resources; but a heart and mind stayed upon Christ, securely rests in God everlasting strength, in His faithfulness and in His resources. Fear, anxiety, doubt, and lack cannot subsist in an environment of peace.
The disciples, some fishermen, were all too familiar with violent storms and instinctively responding out of their limited understanding, woke Jesus. Jesus arose and calmed the storm and turned to them and said, “Where is your faith.” What a radical statement this must have been to the disciple. May I suggest that Jesus did not want them to quiet the natural external storm, but He did want them to quiet their internal storm of fear. Neither Jesus nor His disciples could have gone down with the ship; it was an absolute impossibility - how could a storm kill God. What is wind and rain, personal lack or life’s difficulties compared to God?
So trust in the Lord and hope confidently in Him forever. Those around you may be blind to God’s grace, but they will see God as you live in peace during the trials and difficulties in your life. If storms are unable to drown you and joy sustains you and Christ centeredness strengthens you, then who or what can destroy you? If you possess peace, you can quiet any storm.
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Two Men
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke23:39-43 (NIV)Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:9-11 (New International Version)
Two men, hanging beside Jesus both guilty and condemned to die; one was saved and the other wasn’t. The one looked hopefully upon Christ and asked to be remembered while the other mocked Him. Why do some yield and others don’t; are some more apt to submit than others?
Scripture says Jesus died for all mankind and has reconciled the whole world to the Father, and that we were predestined to be adopted by Jesus to himself. These verses clearly state God has reconciled and predestined mankind to Himself. God has opened the door and allowed access to those who believe, but to believe and become a child of God is still left up to each individual.
I believe the one thief gives us a clue why some yield and others don’t. Speaking to the other thief he said, “Don’t you fear God?” Scripture says the beginning of wisdom is to fear God. I would imagine this man grew up in a Jewish home listening to all the teaching about Almighty God. Because Jews were awaiting their Messiah, he would have been familiar with the characteristic attached to the coming Savior. Could it be that the fear of God comes when one ponders God, and compares their own inabilities, inadequacies, and failures with God’s all sufficient holiness? When goodness is looking at us, we see our own lack. Could it be that this thief looked upon Jesus hanging next to him and received, perhaps for the first time, understanding that salvation was bigger than earthly battles with earthly foes? This Jesus hadn’t been in prison with the other criminals, there were no angry, hateful, vindictive words spewing from His mouth, and everything that was good seemed to be embodied in this man. Could he have for the first time understood he was gazing into the eyes of God.
The other thief appeared to be thinking only about himself and His anger spewed harsh and bitter words. At the cross that day, both men were reconciled to God but the one neither relinquished his bitterness nor humble himself; but the other understood he deserved death and asked to be remembered. Two men, one thief saw himself, the other thief saw God.
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Attitude of the Heart
Then David said to Nathan,"I have sinned against the LORD." 2 Sam 12:13 (NIV)Saul replied, "I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God." 1 Sam 15:30
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:33-37
Broken people typically do not concern themselves with appearances but rather demonstrate true remorse. Grief over their sin weighs so heavily upon them; their freedom can only come when forgiveness and reconciliation are granted. The heart reveals the essence of a person and out from that heart, flow words. If King Saul’s heart had been pure, his actions and statements would have indicated it; he was playing games with God, as if God wouldn’t care and would overlook it, but rebellion is rebellion and Saul’s heart was clear by word and deed.
King David and King Saul were two men with two entirely different hearts. One king grieved over his sin while the other king wanted to save face. King David cared about what God thought, while King Saul cared about what people thought; one was looking up, while the other was looking inward; one was focused on the Lord while the other was focused on himself. Fear of God vs. fear of man.
My sons made many mistakes growing up, and when I’d find out, their sincere tears, sad expressions and confessions spoke volumes to me. When they were rebellious, that too was very obvious; with little remorse, they would hide their guilt. Believers know the difference between right and wrong, and the natural tendency is to hide sin, masking the truth. If a mask is worn long enough the individual becomes lost to the pretense of the mask. God see beneath the mask, right into the heart; He alone has the power to strip away all pretence, flesh and bone and see truth. When we stand before God, He will look at our heart.
We all have been shocked when the evening news removes a mask of a highly regarded public leader. Their actions reveal the true state of their heart. There are heart issues in each of us as well; God knows we all will fall short of His glory so He provides forgiveness through the precious blood of His son, to all those who confess their sin. Real lovers of God are not masked. Their surrendered lives are beautiful in His sight.
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Can You Imagine
The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." "YES, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Matt 26:63-64 NIVCan you imagine if God separated Himself from you; if He removed His hand and let you have all the punishment for every error, mistake, sin, idol word, lie, manipulation, omission or thought you justifiably deserved? Can you imagine the lists upon lists of charges against you?
On the night before Christ’s death, he prayed sweating drops like blood. It was not because He knew He would be beaten, mocked, or spit upon; it was not because He knew the flogging would rip open a great portion of his flesh; it was not because He knew men would actually pull the beard out of His face and strip Him naked; it was not because he feared the sharp crown of thorns that would pierce His head, and it was not because He knew soon His hands and feet would be nailed to a cross and the excruciating weight of sin placed upon Him would be crucified.
Jesus had never been separated from His Father, ever. The moment was before Him when His pure heart would be infused with every evil from the beginning to the end of time and His Father’s face would turn from Him and looked away. How could He bare that? The anguish of separation was almost too difficult for Him, so He prayed, “Take this cup from me.”
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" Matt 26-53-54
This was His destiny; His moment in time and He had the free will to choose His need or the Father’s plan. He could have asked His Father for help and help would have gladly come, but that would have been the end for us. There was no other Savior waiting in the heavenlies, there was not another redemptive plan, there was not another son; there was only one Savior, one plan and one son. That night He knew the weight was upon His shoulders and said yes to God and became our sin, separating Himself from His Father, for you. His love for you stretches beyond measure; He took all your errors, mistakes, sins, idol words, lies, manipulations, omissions and thoughts with Him into death and buried them once and for all.
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Not My Will
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. Isaiah 50:4-5 KJV (Prophetic word about Messiah)“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 118-97-105 KJV- (Prophetic psalm about Messiah)
Jesus loved God’s law and meditated upon it all day every day; God’s wisdom was far beyond that of His earthly teachers. Jesus knew more than all those who came before Him yet He still humbly served God, never departing from His Father’s instruction. The words of God were sweet to Him and their instruction gave Him understanding. God’s voice was the lamp that lit His path.
My father used to say, “If you can benefit from my mistakes, why wouldn’t you take my advice and spare yourself?” Heeding advice from those far wiser then we is prudent. Taking advice means submission; not deciding for yourself what is best, but obeying another. My father had lived longer and had experienced much more than I, so to not take his advice was foolishness. What father, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake? It was only logical to me to take the advice of my father who only wanted to spare me from pain and hardship and bless me with positive results and success.
Jesus didn’t need to learn, He was already wiser than any of his teachers, but because He was flesh and blood, He continually surrendered His fleshly desires to do His Father’s will. He could have exercised His free will and allowed His soul and flesh to have their way, but then he would have fallen into the same trap as Adam. He instead released every word, thought, need, and desire of His soul and flesh saying, “Not my will, but your will be done.”
Morning by morning Jesus arose to spend time with His father; always inclining His ears to hear what the Father was saying. The perfect will of the Father could flow through Jesus to touch the world He loved. Christ received the words that brought hope to the weary; we too can be used by God. Take the Father’s advice and let His perfect will flow through you; receive the words that will bring hope to the weary.
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Peace
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NIV)How can anyone cope with the loss of a child? Mrs. Lydia Bixby in 1864 received a letter from Abraham Lincoln expressing his sadness over the loss of her FIVE sons. Lincoln wrote, “I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom." Wonderful words of compassion truly express Lincoln’s heart felt sadness, but yet only wonderful words.
Horatio Spafford, author of the great hymn “It Is Well With My Soul,” and Mrs. Spafford lost their FOUR daughters in a tragic sea accident. The words of this father/songwriter testify of something that defies human understanding, called peace. This world can only offer beautiful words that bring little solace to hurting hearts; but for those who trust in the Lord, God’s protective peace supernaturally covers and gives inner strength to the suffering. God tenderly holds the hurting next to His heart; it is in this secret place, next to His heart, where peace is found.
When my brother died at the tender age of 16, I experienced and witnessed grief for the first time in my young life. The loss of my brother was absolutely horrible enough, but to imagine death multiplied by four or five, can only be described as unbearable anguish. A physical death of a loved one is hard but is not the only loss that ravages. The death of a marriage, business, personal hopes and dreams, close relationships, etc. implode lives as well. Know that PEACE is still there. Jesus comes close to the broken-hearted and tenderly held them; weeping with them.
The songwriter says that peace is like a river. When tragedy interrupts lives and grief hits, everything seems dark and depressed. Only God has the power to deliver someone out of this pit. A river of peace floods the banks of grief and despair and pushes through the rapids meant to destroy its victims, finally bringing them to the still waters where souls are restored and God’s goodness and mercies are plentiful. Peace is indefinable and unexplainable and only God provides it.
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Bartimaeus
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see. "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.Mark 10:46-52 NIV
“ And the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh;” Genesis 6:3 (NKJV)
I was preparing to be a councilor for a Billy Graham crusade, when my son Joseph” asked me what I was doing. I explained to him why people needed to ask Jesus into their lives and asked him if he had ever done that. He said no, but someday he would. I said, “what if you were walking home from school and the driver of a truck lost control, right as you were crossing the street. He said, “I would quickly ask Jesus to be my savior before he hit me,” my response was, “What if you didn’t have time.”
Desperate needy people do desperate things, and in the case of Bartimaeus, he was making a scene; He didn’t know if Jesus would ever pass his way again and didn’t want his only chance, to walk by him. He knew he was blind and somehow Jesus might possible bring him sight. What if he had said, “oh, He’s busy"," I'm not worthy", "I don’t want to bother Him" or "maybe next time.”
“The Matrix” is a story about people who are virtually programmed and spiritually blind. They think they are living life, but in fact, are not. Going through their lives, they try to fix their own problems, solve their own dilemmas and live their own dreams, totally unaware of their robotical condition. Bartimaeus knew he was blind there was illusion.
The Word says that God’s Spirit will not always strive with man that we are to seek Him while He can found. We all have family and friends who are numb and desperately yelling in the matrix of their lives. The Jesus in you walks by them; are they reaching out? Are you leading them to the one who gives sight to the blind?
My sweet son Joseph went up to his bedroom; he came downstairs about 30 minutes later and told me what he had done. Jesus walked by and stopped at Joseph’s bedroom that day and as my little boy there kneeling by his bed spoke to God, God came into his room and into his heart and opened his eyes.
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Immeasurably More
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)Can an acorn tell you what it is like to be an oak tree, or can a child plunking away at a piano tell you what it is like to play Carnegie Hall? Imagination can take you only so far, but you do not know what you do not know. As we age, we continue to learn more about the things we didn’t know existed. I once used a typewriter, paper, eraser, envelope and stamp to send a message, now I used a wireless lap top computer with a 10.5 operating system, instant data correction spell check and email that instantly transfers messages to multiple receivers.
Continually humans are upgraded with new information; we are constantly learning. The Kingdom of God operates in the same manner. We see a need, we ask, the Spirit answers, we follow and God’s will is done. God continually gives us His solutions that far surpass our wildest imaginations and far exceeds our natural thinking. The more we see God responding, the more we desire to submit to His ways.It is the process of learning; God is teaching us.
Giving produces giving, the more you freely give, the more God freely gives back to you. In fact, he is the one who nudges you in the first place and when you are obedient , He is delighted to bless you abundantly. The same is true with righteousness. The more we bow, submitting to God’s requirements, the more righteous we become. I am not saying anyone is to be foolish, Heaven forbid, but we are to follow what the word of God tells us to do
Just as a walnut tree produces walnuts, we will only bare that which is in us. Luke 6 says righteousness is a matter of the heart. If the motive behind the action is wrong, then check your heart, but if the motive comes from a heart of loving obedience then the blessings will flow immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine.
The enemy would like to make us believe that if we give, we will not have enough, or if we submit to God’s ways, we will be not standing up for ourselves; but I say, God has a bigger plan for you; something more than you know. The acorn can become a majestic oak tree, and a child playing chopsticks, can perform at Carnegie Hall. It takes good soil and lots of practice.
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The Heavens
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 (New International Version)The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech and night-to-night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world In them He has placed a tent for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit to the other end of them; and there is nothing hidden from its heat. Ps 19:1-6
As a small child I would lie on my parent’s veranda and count stars. My sister and I would find lots of animal and objects in the sky, but would fall asleep long before we had counted all the stars. I imagine David, while out nights in the fields, was a stargazer. Night after night he would tend his sheep and watch the stars. No telling how the heaven's beauty and majesty stirred questions in his young mind.
My dad was a builder so I grew up loving to watch things being made. For me, gazing into the nighttime sky brings me back to my childhood, when I wondered how all this was made. Questions like why are there stars, why are there planets, how is it they are all round, why are they spinning, what combinations of gases were used to make them shine billion of miles away and how big is space? Some have the idea everything we see today was created out of an enormous explosion, but my question is, where did all the matter come from for them to explode? The heavens present all sorts of questions and the only explanation I concluded is, there must be a creator. Then another question arises, if there is a creator then why did He create and for what purpose?
The scriptures say it was because God was showing His eternal power and divine nature. Without a doubt the one who set it all up has enormous strength, power and wisdom, not limited in any way, and absolutely couldn’t be human; he would be bigger than anything we know and not constrained by form. Who is He and where did He come from and could I possible approach such a being? Why would He create you and me and all the heavens if He didn’t want to show Himself and communicate with us in some way?
No matter what language is spoken, the heavens all speak the same language. People around the planet have similar questions; what are they concluding and are they looking for answers? If humans stop and ponder the heavens, the Holy Spirit will speak truth. God wants His creation to seek Him; He created the heavens so they would.
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Eagles
“Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions.” Deuteronomy 32:11 (New International Version)One of the most picturesque examples of God’s wonderful mentoring is found in Deut. 32:11. When the baby eaglets are ready, the mother eagle actually pushes her little ones, one by one, out of her nest. As the eaglet plummets from the cliff above toward the rocks below, the mother swoops beneath her little one catching it on her large majestic wings. The process continues until at last the eaglet begins to flap its wings catching an air current lifting it in flight. It learns by flapping its wings, it will stay suspended in air and once the baby has experience this, it will no longer need to be pushed out; he will, on his own, spread those grand wings and soar.
We can listen to the best instructors and learn the complexities of any given subject, but until we experience it, we cannot come close to real understanding. Experience is the best teacher. If the mother never pushed her young out of their towering nest high above earth, the baby would never learn how to fly. He could watch flying till he was blue but until he experience flight, he would not understand how being pushed out of the nest could possible lead to his good. It takes falling helpless, moving the wings he was given that finally produces flight. Basic instinct kicks in only after he is pushed out.
Leaders need not to smother their spiritual young and keep them in their nest, but are to release them to be everything God has intended for them. Those who are ready will catch the wind and soar. Resist the temptation to stay well fed in that comfortable warm nest. When the time is right, your spiritual guardian will push you out so you can soar on wings like eagles. God intended you to fly.
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March 6
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling”, Philippians 2:12When you look at Jesus you might observe that nothing “normal,” by this world’s standards, fit the description of a king. He was born of a virgin, raised by a lowly couple in an impoverished little town and had a questionable origin. Mary and Joseph still had to pay taxes and they still had to live with the scorn from neighbors. Jesus worked, did nor wear a crown of gold and died a cruel death. It is directly opposite from this worlds qualifications of royalty.
Problems did not stop when Jesus came into the world, and life’s challenges did not stop at the cross. We have been brainwashed for a great portion of our lives and have had worldly indoctrination interjected into our minds which absolutely contradicts the principles of the Kingdom. Submission, righteous living and pure motives transform worldly believers into Kingdom dwellers. Problems will continue because we live in a fallen world. The kingdom of this world is corrupt but Jesus overcame by yielding His will for His Father’s will, so too, we must abide in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit’s power to transform us.
I remember mother’s washboard I used as a little girl. Mom had me lathered dad’s shirts with lava soap, scrubbing the collar on that ridged bumpy board, before putting them into the washing machine. It really cleaned those collars!
Well, we have dirt and years of “stinken thinken” ground into us. Paul says to work out your salvation. He doesn’t say work for your salvation or work on your salvation but work out your salvation, and working out = exercise. Submission is very difficult until it becomes habit; the same is true with living righteously and taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.
What is God calling you to work out; a bad habit, a secret craving, a grudge, hard feelings toward a friend, a poverty mindset or a controlling manipulative personality? Jesus had many hurdles to overcome before taking His throne. We don’t often think of Christ as a man, but he had the same issues growing up as many of us have had. He had to constantly exercise yielding to His Father’s will, and not succumb to His own. He had to live with the same human temptations that we face. I wonder if the town folk ever moved past his mysterious birth. The temptation to snub those who looked down on His mom, or harbor resentment or unforgiveness toward them, must have been difficult for Christ the man, however he resisted. He is our role model, Let’s learn from Jesus and continue daily to excercise the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.
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March 5
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me". John 15: 26
For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 1 John 5:7
Peter begins by praising God; the God and Father of our Lord Jesus. Then in John 15, Jesus speaks of a comforter; three very distinct persons. In 1st John 5:7 the word “one” means unity; the three are perfectly one in unity while yet three persons, Father Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity, one in number and individuality, One God the Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, and one Holy Ghost. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”(Eph 4:4-6)
Individually each is called God and collectively they are called God. The Father who is the head of Christ; the son who is the redeemer of mankind, and the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from both Father and Son and who will testify of Jesus, reprove the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-8); guide you in all truth – hearing and speaking (John 16:13); who will abide with you forever (john 14:16); who will teach and help you to remember (John 14:26); and who will show you things to come (John 16:13b).
Too many of us conglomerated the three Godheads into one. To break it down, let’s take a family of three, a dad, a mom, and a son. Let say they are the perfect family in every way and yet each have different qualities. The dad is wise and has the final say, the head of the family; the mom is nurturing and cares for her family, and the son is a great kid who just happens to be your best friend.
Jesus gave us access to the Father, so we can say “Our Father” and come to him any time with our love, concerns and questions. I remember, as a child, I loved climbing into dad’s lap, having his loving arms hold me. I still love to go and just sit by him. His strength, love and authority give me such a sense of protection and I know his love for me is forever.
Jesus is much like a mom, who tenderly cares for her child, giving him all the necessary life tools, paving the way for her son to talk his father, and because of her great love for him, is constantly interceding for him. She doesn’t dwell on her son’s faults but only on what is good.
The son however is the one who’s your friend. The two of you talk and spend time talking about life and because he such a credible role model, you take his advise. You go to school with him and he stays your closest friend throughout life. If you were to ask him for help, he would help you; if while working on a science project, and you were to ask him to run to the store, he would; if you asked him to teach you how to dribble a basketball, he would; and if you wanted to play basketball, he would play ball with you. As both of you journey through life, accountability, love, strength and friendship only increases making the bond between the two of you even stronger.
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, three very distinct persons with three very distinct job descriptions yet, one in perfect unity. When you talk to God, which one of the three are you talking to? Which one do you go to with your troubles to get wisdom, which one will nurture and tenderly care for you, and which one will you go through the remainder of your life? Meditate on the three and let the Holy Spirit teach you about the Father, the Son and himself.
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March 4
An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. Luke 22: 43-45
Desperate
Life is hard and at times our world seem to be whirling out of control. Each day brings another hurdle. During a particularly hard season in my life, I anguished to what seemed to no avail. If it had not been for the strength of the Holy Spirit, I would not have survived. My personal agony was at time more than I could bear. Second by second I would find myself praying for a little more strength and for my cup to be lifted. Jesus too, asked for His cup to be lifted but yielded to His Father.
When these seasons come, know, you are not alone, God will see you through but only by clinging to Him. Things may get worse before they get better; Jesus had to endure the cross. If you are battling pain, cancer, old age, rebellious kids or any of real life challenges; you are in company with Jesus.
Ps 34:18-19 “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them ALL.” The 23rd Psalm promises that even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you should not fear evil, for God is with you. Every one of us will have seasons of great afflictions but God promises He will be with us; you must hold on to that. When a hailstorm is pounding hard outside, as long as you remain inside you will be protected.
The word says lean not on your own understanding, my ways are not your ways. Surrendering and yielding, while in affliction, to God’s authority crucifies our flesh and allows God’s wisdom and purposes to be accomplished. I once heard a pastor say, “God is not as concerned with our circumstances as He is our character.”
I often think of Jesus hanging on His cross with the sins of the world baring down upon Him, but then my sins are added to His load, making His pain all the more. It makes me cry to think it was because of my sinfulness He was afflicted but then, that same cross brings me encouragement because if He endured, so can I. Yielding to Him is the very least I can do.
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March 3
The Lord’s PrayerJesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:39-42
As He was accustomed, He went to pray perhaps in a familiar place. Do you have a favorite place in which you pray, someplace quiet without interruption away from all the distraction of this world? Someplace where it is just you and God?I believe prayer is our highest privilege and should be our highest priority. Jesus prayed seeking constant instruction in order to completely do His father’s will.
How will we know what to do less we ask; we need to be getting our instructions in the same manner as Jesus? I know a lady who asks God where she needs to go each day, and she simply does what He tells her. Someone will be exactly where He has described, so she approaches her with ease because she has been instructed what to do. This is a huge step that requires setting selective times away from the business of life to spend with God.
Is your life, your marriage, your family, your job grounded in prayer? How do we know the best way to take if we are not asking? The alternative to prayer is setting your own course of action, jumping in and working hard. The Word says if you are in lack, you are to ask; if you need help, you are to ask; if you need understanding, you need to ask; if you want to know what is His perfect will for your day, you need to ask. James says we have not because we ask not.
Jesus is the only one who could stand directly before God. How precious was prayer to Christ, it was like going home, going back into the heavenlies in which He came. Imagine God, who was totally complete, coming to planet earth and living amongst men. Going from Glory to a pit of sin, all because of love. No wonder He constantly was in prayer. He was caught in two worlds, both filled with those He loved. If God prayed so should we.
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March 2
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28 (NASB)
I believe God is sovereign but He is not the orchestrater of disasters. On 9/11, the twin towers in New York came down and thousands of people were hurt and killed. Was this in God’s sovereign plan, could God plan such a horrible disaster to bring us to our knees? That is not the God I know, but how can we explain such an event? When we are struck with real, painful life experiences we ask, "Where is He; I need Him so badly." In Phillip Yancey’s book Disappointment With God, Yancey tells the story of a woman who watched her twenty-year-old daughter die a painful death from cystic fibrosis. Both were believers. She said, “I will never forget those shrill, piercing primal screams.” Where was God and why didn’t He stop this from happening?
We all have times when we want to run and hide, far away from life’s horrors. John the Baptist in prison sent his disciples to Jesus. Was he alerting Jesus of his imprisonment? Did John hope Jesus would come and rescue him? Jesus had said John was more than a prophet and the greatest man born of woman, so it would have been a natural assumption that Jesus might help him. Why didn’t He help John? God didn’t put John in prison, Herod did. Satan used Herod and Herodias to carry out his evil plan, because he delights in destroying God’s creation.
Heaven is not the enemy; fear, death, pain, sorrow, devastation, disease, divorce, are. This world is a war zone with real battles going on between good and evil. God is all-powerful but He will not force His will upon mankind. He may not force His will but He can and will work for the good of those who love him. He is able to make a horrible thing like cystic fibrosis end, changing mortality into immortality. He compassionately, tenderly carries those who are grieving, providing grace for them to endure. We will never understand the complexities of the battle, but we can trust Him.
He will give us the strength.
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March 1st
1 Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Joshua. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”Joshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Joshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”
Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by. Zechariah 3:1-5
The enemy constantly accuses us, we hear his false accusations in our head and too often believe the lies. The Lord said to Satan, “I have rejected your accusations. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and way too often, when our past is thrown in our face, it induces fear and a twisted truth. A failure may masquerade as an evil when in fact it may be the very means God uses to clearly pinpoint the need for a savior. A savior who will take away the old filthy rags and give you a fine new garment.
For an unbeliever, this is good news, but for those who believe, it is a call to get rid of the old and put on the new. We all, at some point, were hopelessly lost and unable to recognized the depth at which we were deceived. We lived for self-satisfactions and thought ourselves fully capable of controlling our destinies. Too many of us barely escaped and if it had not been for Christ, we would have surely died. Remembering those days is one thing, but lingering in them is another; it is easier to do what you have always done rather then live in the new. The old is familiar and you know the ins and outs, but the new is unknown and requires faith. Everything you have ever done is stored in your mind and it is difficult when the world constantly contradicts your kingdom identity to resist your mind and hold fast to the truth.
I often ponder why Christ saved me? I never want to go back to that old life; the clothes I wore may have been beautiful in my eyes, but in God's eyes were worn, ripped, burned, faded, too small and smelled like mothballs. Why would I ever want to wear them again? I love the new clothes; they are beautiful and clean; no rips, no tears, every part was hand designed and made to fit.
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Febrary 29th
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV)However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
In the Ephesians’ passage Paul, twice uses the word Holy. It is the same word but with two very different meanings. Paul uses a husband/wife relationship to make a spiritual comparison. Husbands are to love their wife AS CHRIST LOVES US and gave Himself up for her making her HOLY. The word HOLY refers to an object that is only sanctified when God Himself designates it as belonging to Him.
A man falls head over heals, courts and marries his love. She is the only one He sees’ and just as she is the only one for him, he too, is the only one for her and mutual love binds the two in their exclusive relationship.
If a woman is truly loved, there is nothing she will not do for the one she loves, likewise, if a man is truly loved, there is no level of protection and care he will not provide. A godly marriage is a beautiful picture of Christ and His bride. Our husband, Christ, has washed His bride and presented her to himself as a radiant innocent virginal bride, without stain or wrinkle, HOLY and blameless.
This second use of the word Holy means, that which has been brought into relationship with God and designated by Him as having a sacred purpose or special significance to Him.
Your unconditional sacrificial lover has set you apart to be His own. You are His and He is yours. He has washed away your past because of His unfathomable love for you. There is a sacred purpose for your life that He designated you to fulfill.
The level of your love for God is proportional to the understanding of His love for you.
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February 28th
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." Song of Solomon 2:13_
On May 14, 1948, Israel blossomed into a nation. Jesus said that this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. What generation, what things; the generation that understands that like the fig tree, which awakens in the spring from its dormancy into new life, we are to understand that winter is almost over, time is short and new life is coming.
Jesus, in the gospel of John, tells Nicodemus that the working of the Spirit is like the blowing of the wind; and just as our ears hear the wind, our spiritual ears are to hear the voice of the Spirit.
Nightly, the news broadcasts stories of wars and rumors of war, wide spread famines, contagious infectious epidemic diseases, natural disasters and nation against nation. We try not to think about it, trying to justify what is going on but, Jesus says we are to think about and know it is near, right at the door.
Are you ready? Have you loved well and forgiven much; have you spent time getting to know Jesus and trusting in His mercy; have you been a doer of the Word and not a hearer only; have you sincerely loved your spouse, your children, your friends and have you told them you love them? Have you prayed for those around you and spread seeds of life to others?
No one knows the date or hour and we are not to be concerned with the timing, but we are to be concerned about being prepared. We are to know this generation will not pass away until all that He has said, is fulfilled. Let the love of Jesus shine through you to someone while there is yet time, hear what the Spirit is saying and get ready.
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February 27th
The Promise“Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. Luke 6:20-23A (NIV)
It is not how much you know, it is how well you know it. How has Jesus moved into your life and how have you allowed Him transform you from the inside out?
This verse speaks to those who have Christ’s promise of happiness: the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and the hated. These promises are not for those who don’t have money, food or who are sad or friendless, but rather, those who spiritually bankrupted. It is a traumatic time when you first realize that no matter how capable or talented you are, you are utterly helpless and absolutely unable to do anything. You can’t change your circumstances and you can’t change the way someone else responds to you. You are misunderstood and totally unable to go back in time to change a thing and in desperation you cry out for a Savior.
The promise is for those who desperately need help and whose tears pool on the floor as they realize, perhaps for the first time, they’re starving to death and powerless to do anything about it. Nothing satisfies; no wealth, no fame, no success, no food... nothing... and there seems to be no future. They ask the question, “Is this all there is?”
The promise is for those who look in a mirror and see every sin and every failure tearing their hearts apart because they can not undo the past and aren’t able to heal the wounds. Their misery takes them to a cross on a hill where the only one who could possible help them hangs. Broken and beaten, with faces in the dirt, they sob, begging for forgiveness. And the promise is for those who are touched by His sweet hand and are shown His priceless mercy. And, as a small child trying to take his first step and falls, they are mocked and laughed at.
There will always be enmity between the followers of Christ and this world. A beautiful Savior reaches out to His creation with His promise of forgiveness, hope, love, kindness, mercy, grace, restoration, happiness and laughter. – This promise is for you; embrace it.
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February 26th
The law is not based on faith; Gal. 3:12So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. Galatians 3: 24-25
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? Gal 3:5
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17
Laws, laws and more laws. Like buzzards waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting prey, the scribes and Pharisees watched Jesus that they might find some accusation against Him. Jesus asks the question, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it? Then Jesus looked around” and instructed the man to stretch out his hand. Mark adds that he looked around with anger, being there was no answer, He healed the man.
The scribes and Pharisees had been raised under Jewish law, all 613 of them, a virtual “to do” list. The Torah was considered the very word of God, and never would it have occurred to any Jewish person to disobey any portion of it. They had become robotical in their obedience to the law, so much so that the law itself bound them, leaving them oblivious to the Messiah around them.
If they knew all the prophecies and promises and were looking for the Messiah, then why didn’t they recognize Jesus? Even with Him living amongst them, talking to Him and listening to Him, they would not surrender their stubborn pride to embrace His life giving words. How could they witness miracle after miracle without believing. Their intractable stance was of more value then knowing and believing in their Messiah. They forfeited God’s grace to hold tightly to their law.
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February 25th
“ To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” Ephesians 5:26“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'” Luke 3:37-39
The word “new”, when referring to wine, means fresh or young, but
the word “new” when referring to wineskins means renewal.
A wineskin was made of whole tanned goatskins where the legs and tails had been cut off and sealed. The new wine was poured into the large skin and during the fermentation process, carbon dioxide gas would stretch the skin to its limit. Once the wineskin was used it would loose its ability to stretch again, UNLESS it was soaked in water. Those who could not afford new skins would soak the old in water, regaining their elasticity. The water of the word renews and refreshes.
How do we stay flexible in whatever the Lord might be doing in our lives? Make it a priority to bath yourselves in the Word and digest what the Spirit of God is saying; it will have a renewing effect. The old might taste better and more defined and be more comfortable, but the fully alive fresh Word cannot be contained in old religion. God says “wash with water through the word” and let the Holy Spirit lead you into faith by grace.
Jesus’ radical gospel spoke to the poor, hungry, sorrowful, oppressed, scorned and sick. The gospel is freely given to all who believe. It is about loving your God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself. External man-made rules constraining grace bring burdensome yokes, enslavement and death; Christ’s message brings grace, forgiveness and life.
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February 24th
“Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor?” Isaiah 40:13 (NIV)"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand, marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed Him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the right way? Who was it that taught Him knowledge or showed Him the path of understanding?
He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart; he gently leads those that have young.
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
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february 23rd
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it," 1 Corinthians 12:27
How beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful to see believers work together in unity. How beautiful is the man, who flowing in the love of God, reaches out to a police officer guarding a city's park; asking how he could pray for him. The officer being sincerely touched by the kindness of the man receives the prayer. How do you think it affected the officer?
Another believer, taking time to reach out to a school secretary telling her of the group who had prayer walked around the school; the secretary is moved to tears. She never dreamed anyone cared enough to pray for their school.
Believers each taking time and sincerely reaching out to those around them, making a difference for the kingdom of God. How beautiful is the body of Christ who really love their neighbor, and lovingly, with grace filled hands, touch the community with the love of Christ. Share His love and pray with someone today.
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February 22nd
Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." Matthew 9:5-6 (NIV)Today I pray I will rest in the understanding that I belong to the one and only God. He is the all sufficient one, the author and the finisher of my faith, the one who never sleeps nor slumbers, the one who commands His angels concerning me and guards me in all my ways.
He is all holy, the God of all goodness and purity, the one who grants me new mercies every morning. He is the one who loves me beyond all measure and has washed every mistake and every sin away from me; cleansing me white as snow. He is the one who has authority to say, “you’re healed” and “your sins are forgiven.”
When I ponder God and eternity, I ask myself, who is like our God? Who demonstrates love like our God? Who has ever extended tender mercies and loving kindnesses like our God?” He is for me so who can separate us? Who would dare stand against my God or try to defeat the great Alpha and Omega. He has and is the final word, He is the creator of everything seen and unseen and He is Almighty God. He is for me so who can stand against me?
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February 21st
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 1:6 (NIV)
What is in a word? Look at the word ”sat”; Jesus sat down at the right hand of God. The priests in the temple never sat down. The temple had the brass altar, the laver, and the table of showbread, the altar of incense, the golden candlestick and the Ark of the Covenant. There were no chairs; a priest’s work was on going, never finished. Year after year they continually offered sacrifice for the sins of the people; their work was never complete. However, Jesus sat down because He completed His work, once and for all, past present future.
So, being confident with what HE began in you, HE WILL CARRY IT TO COMPLETION “Wow! He is sitting beside the Father not worried, nor fretful, but completely confident that His sacrifice was and is sufficient for you and me; saving forever those who draw near. (Heb 7:25 NASB) The on-going saving work of Christ is ever present. He promises us that He will carry us through. His work is finished.
Rest in His faithfulness,
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February 20th
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.Psalm 23 (NAST)
In such a busy world with phones ringing, emails to be answered, appointments to go to, work needing to be finished, kids, meetings… interruptions hurry hurry hurry – pause. step back, reflect on the hectic and sometime chaotic life you're living.
The Lord is your shepherd, rest. He makes me lie down in green pastures and gently walks with me beside the still waters, to restore my soul. Withdraw by yourself, away from the hustle and bustle, and just spend time with God; let the stillness of a green pasture gentle bowing in the breeze and the quiet trickle of a brook calm your soul. Allow His gentle hand to comb through your hair as you rest quietly at His feet. No instruction, just His quiet presence, His peace, His protection, His rest.
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February 19th
“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:17-18 (KJV)The word “vision” means revelation like one a prophet receives, and the words “the people perish” do not refer to unsaved people, but means to cast off restraint. The verse is stating that without God’s Word people cast off restraints to indulge the sinful nature. I once heard a speaker on Focus on the Family who told a story of two men. Both men were serious followers of Christ, reading their bibles, studying the Word, praying and holding each other accountable, but one day they posed a question, “What would happen if they were to stop everything for one week; no prayer, no time in the word, no alone time, no accountability; what would happen?” They both agree to the experiment. After one year, one of the young men was able to get back on track, but his friend never returned. The speaker, the young man who had returned, gave his testimony of how difficult it was to return and lamented the loss of his friend. Each society throughout history has had self -gratification attractively presented. Ultimately it traps people into paganistic living. Without a clear understanding of God’s plan, people, and not just lost people, cast off restraints to indulge the sinful nature, and just like the experiment of the two young men, some never return. The world attractions can deceitfully lure believers away from God. When troubles and life circumstances weigh on the soul, a believer can be tempted to abandon the committed life style and buy the lie. It is only understanding God’s revelation for your life and exercising discipline that will ultimately bring blessing and happiness. Don’t fall heir to the snares of the fowler. It is like a bear trap that will not only cut off your leg, but can kill you. Seek God's vision for your life. God has a vision for His people; those, who are call by His name are to turn from temporal gratification and trust Him for spiritual fulfillment and eternal joy. The revelation is God himself; and it is only He who will bring you eternal peace and happiness. Seek Him while He can be found.
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February 18th
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)Where is that place where freedom abides; the place where darkness is dispelled and God is glorified? How do we get there?
Over the years it has been my observation that freedom or bondage is in the mind. Life’s circumstances can dictate our attitude if we let it, but God has given believers the free will to choose how we will respond to any given circumstance. Before receiving Christ, our eyes were veiled and we were bound to the lies and deception of the devil; but at the moment we believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, we were set free to trust God’s word and act in faith. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Someone once said to me, “No one can make you sad.” Low self esteem or sadness can only cripple us if we receive it. What you allow into your mind, determines your mind-set, direction and reaction.
In the parable about the seeds, I contend the seed that falls on fertile soil is the person who chooses to let the word of God transforms his or her life. The seed that get snatched away is the person who wants immediate gratification but when the rubber meets the road elects to return to the familiar, their strengths and abilities. The seed that falls on rocks and is scorched is someone who, under severe pressure, chooses to give up.
We are in a spiritual war zone, caught in between heaven and hell and our enemy’s aim is to steal kill and destroy. If his lies can deceive us into thinking any thing other than what God says about us, he has succeeded. I have seen passionate believers retreat when the battle gets too hard. For sure, life will be easier when passion is squelched, but God said in His word to fight the good fight and to keep standing. War is not easy and there will be casualties, but God says, “do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” I want to encourage you to adopted the mind of Christ and prevent Satan from steering you off course.
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Day 40, February 9, 08
“And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.”Luke 9: 1-2
“But He gives a greater grace therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Submit therefore to God Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:6-8 (NASB)
The bogs of life
This morning we woke up to a clogged drain. Now a clogged drain must be unclogged before things can get back to normal. As I was praying about this clog, God open my mind to the nasty clogs that stop and prevent us from flowing freely.
Clogs prevent spiritual growth. Things like hatred, selfishness, quarreling, anxiety, division, harsh words, hopelessness, manipulation, drunkenness, depression, suicide, addictions, laziness, control, despair, lust and deception clog our system every day. None of these are from God. They exist all around us AND will continue to exist until they are put under the feet of Christ. Although they exist you have been given the authority to cast them out of your life and home in Jesus name, AND the freedom to stop them from operating in you life. The things that come at you are demonic. Christ did not create depression nor any of the others. Wake up church and resist Satan and he MUST FLEE from you. God’s word says it and God does not lie! Take authority over these ugly grotesque things that are blocking freedom from you and your family.
Note in James, submission comes before resisting. Tell yourself, “I will submit to God’s ways.” Live in submission, humbleness, love, forgiveness, trust, faith, purity; use practical common sense, take time to think about what is happening- physically and spiritually, be balanced, choose to do what is right, be honest, keeping promises, give and take, be courageous in danger but also in your sufferings and determine to co-labor with Christ.
When you submit by following God’s directives, THEN, God gives the grace to resist the devil. It is hard work but you can do it. Practice submitting to God every day of your life and you will develop great spiritual muscle to resist the devil and his nasty bogs.
Ultimately, one by one these will be held captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus and will be flushed away under His foot; your character will expand through the testings and the light of Jesus will burn more brightly then ever.
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February 8, 2008
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” 2 Cor 4: 3-4 (NIV)“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Cor 4: 3-4 (NLT)
The word is very clear, people who have not received the grace of God, have minds that are veiled. We often shake our heads with unbelief with how the world around us lives; however they are living the only way they know how. They live in the darkness of Satan’s deception, veiled from the truth of the gospel.
A veil according to Webster is a concealing curtain or cover of cloth, something that hides or obscures. You cannot see what you cannot see, and you do not know what you do not know!
I am a designer by trade and often specify a hard wood floor for dining rooms. After the hard wood floor is installed and clean, a rug goes down which covers the new floor, followed by the furniture. The floor beneath that rug is concealed, veiled. That floor is never going to be seen again unless the dining room table, the chairs, and the rug are removed, in that order. That is exactly how it is with people who are veiled. They are like that beautiful hard wood floor that has been covered first with the rug and then by all the stuff. It is not that they don’t want to see, they cannot see; the veil hides and obscures the truth. Not only do they have a veil covering the truth but they also have all the stuff of life on top of the veil.
We come by and present the truth to them and wonder why they just don’t see what we see. Their eyes are veiled. They are like that beautiful floor that is beneath the rug and the stuff. Not only can they not see what we are talking about, our message does not make sense to them because everything about the gospel is veiled.
If we are effective instruments used by God for His divine purposes, we ought to be building relationships with those still living in darkness. Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” In short Jesus is saying build relationships with the lost, the wounded, those unable to walk on their own, those veiled and you will be blessed.
Have you ever wondered why, so many of us work outside the congregational church? The world is full of people who are lost lame, crippled and blind; the very ones Jesus told us to invite to the banquet. Loving relationships will gradually remove the stuff so God can remove the veil.
Pray God will use you to build a loving relationships and allow you opportunities to bring light into their darkness. Unless the veil is lifted, they will not see the light; unless the rug is removed, that floor is never going to be exposed. Remember that there is something very beautiful under all that stuff, God sees them as who they really are because He created them, but if they remain veiled, they not only are separated from Him but also miss their divine destiny- a double whammy.
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February 7, 2008
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,” Psalms 19:1-4 (NIV)“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”. Romans 1:20
Is there any part of creation that does not testify of God? What we see and what our senses tell us, we tend to believe. Our mind is not likely to gravitate toward the unseen, so typically our sub-conscious controls how we look at things. Take for instance, winter in South Dakota. Automatically we think cold, burr, and can’t wait till it warms up. However look deeper at winter and don’t focus on the negative but focus on the positive. Let’s look at how God’s invisible attributes are seen in winter.
I love the snow and how it covers all the ugly dormant ground beneath, I love to look at the geese swimming in the open water, I love to snuggle up in front of a warm fireplace, and love wearing beautiful sweaters that keep me warm. Where do I see God in these things, you may ask.
The snow covers the ground reminding me of how the blood of Christ has covered me making me as white as snow; the geese reminds me of the protection of God that is all around me, and when I am in open frigid water His protection is my covering. I see God in the warmth of a fireplace because great grace permits me to sit quietly in restful peace at the feet of Jesus. And finally my warm sweaters remind me of those my mother used to make me. She made me those sweaters to demonstrate her love for me; God loves me and has made all things new because He loves me. His love is never too big or small, it is always just right and it wraps around me and keeps me warm.
Perspective is how you look at things. Let the creation around you proclaim the work of His hands; there are so many clues that Somebody has designed it all, and that Somebody is a God who has chosen to reveal Himself through His creation. It is difficult not to experience God when the sun rises and the colors of morning cut through the night sky, or when you bite into a fresh peach on a warm summer day or hear your son play a piano scherzo by Chopin, or smell chocolate cookies in the oven. God saw what He had created and it was good. Look for God today; His evidences are all around you.
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February 6, 2008
Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2 Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority. Matthew 9:1-8How much power is there in forgiveness? Certainly more then enough to accomplish everything Christ was sent to earth to do. When Jesus saw the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends, he forgave the man’s sins; the question is,
“ Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’”
I can forgive someone of their sin toward me but God is the only one who has the power to erase that sin from ever happening. I, in my flesh, am unable to heal anyone, but God in a single word, is able to miraculously restore perfect physical condition. Eyes see, ears hear, the lame walk, dead men live and the possessed are delivered; it was never a question of faith for Jesus; it was a statement of His authority to forgive.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we too, are used as conduits of God’s power. His power is still touching people, and it is God’s power in us that enables us to forgive. Dr Menninger who started the Menniger Clinic, a psychiatric treatment and research center, once said that 80% of his patients would be fully healed if they would just forgive. Unforgiveness is like pouring battery acid over yourself hoping the other person will suffer. It only hurts you; unforgivenss gnarls its’ evil roots into the soul till it takes over. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to forgive those who have injured you and let the nail pierced hands that forgave you bring healing. Forgiveness wasn’t easier for Jesus; it took everything He had to establish it, even His life.
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February 5, 2008
Isaiah 61:1The 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.LUKE 4:18 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.
GOD DID NOT give laws commanding slavery, nor did He advocated oppressing people. It is un-Christ like for anyone to enslave oppress or keep another ignorant, prevent them from exercising their free will or taking away their rights. Jesus came to set the brokenhearted, distressed, troubled, blind and captives free from their enslaved condition. This liberty was to be proclaimed. Today there is little thought of slavery, yet there are people enslaved all around us; some physically, some emotionally, and some spiritually. Christ used the word bruised referring to those who are completely crushed and shattered in life, those oppressed and broken in body and soul, and have no desire to live. This oppression is slavery no matter what you call it and it is wrong.
Jesus came to set people free. You may ask where I see slavery? I see it in a abused wife or child who out of fear can not get away; a teenager who wants to commit suicide; an alcoholic; a drug or gambling addict; a man who cheats on his wife physically or through website pornography; a wife through silence ignoring her husband; or an actual person who is a slave of another for profit. Jesus came to set them free. The freedom Jesus speaks about is still available. Satan works through the mind, and if his message is believed, the enslavement hook is set. You are as bound as you think you are. Invite Christ to open the prison doors of your mind and let Him deliver you, heal you and set you free.
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February 4, 2008
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'"
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours."
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13
Temptations of Christ in Luke
Jesus, one moment is being baptized and the sky opens and His Father announces, “This is my beloved son”; the next moment He is lead into the wilderness and tempted for 40 days - a definite mountain valley emotional challenge. Jesus would have naturally been hungry so it is not surprising the devil tempted Him with food, which by the way was the original object of temptation. There are stones of flint and limestone on the mountains of Judea that resemble loaves of bread and Satan temps Jesus with turning the stones into bread. It wouldn’t have been a temptation for Jesus if Jesus were not able to do it but the devil tried to get Him to use His miraculous powers to supply his personal need.
Jesus only saw the needs of others, never His own. When He came to earth He had emptied Himself and did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped but took the form of a bondservant. Jesus’ response, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, was exactly what Moses had spoken to the Israelites in the wilderness during their 40 years, Though Jesus was hungry, He knew the source of His life; it was not bread alone.
The second temptation takes place as Satan stands as the pseudo-ruler of the world. The condition was that Jesus bend His knee to the devil. Jesus’ response was to quote Deuteronomy 6:13, where Moses is warning the people to resist temptation and worship God alone. Although Jesus would have regained world rulership, had he given into temptation, he would have obtained it by depending on Satan rather than on God. Jesus would not recklessly acquire our salvation through anything short of God’s perfect plan.
The third temptation Satan takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple. This was about 700 feet above the Kedron valley or about half as high as the Empire State Building. Satan wanted God to jump off and command his angels to keep Him from smashing on the rocks below. Jesus could have called legions of angels who instantaneously would have come, but that was not God’s plan. Jesus would not change the timing of God’; He knew he must die on a cross for the sins of the world. Displaying supernatural feats was not the way followers were to believe in or accept Him. He responded with Deuteronomy 6:16, “Do not tempt the Lord thy God.”
I often wonder how Jesus stayed in control of every thought and of everything that constantly pulled at Him, never loosing his patience, always giving and always perfect. And as I ponder it, I have come to conclude it was for us. He saw His church, His bride the one He loves. He resisted temptation for us so we may live with Him forever. What a amazing Savior we have.
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Fasting
Means to abstain from food that which caused the fall of man.Fasting humbles the soul before God - PS 35:13
Chastens the soul - Ps 69:10
And crucifies the appetites and denies them so as to give the entire time to prayer.
2 Sam 12:16-23, Matthew 4:1-11.
1. It manifests earnestness before God to the exclusion of all else. 1 Cor 7:5
2. Shows obedience
3. Gives the digestive system a rest - Matthew 6:16-18; 9:15;Lk 5:33
4. Demonstrates the mastery of man over appetites;
5. Aids in victory over temptation
6. Helps to attain power over demons;
7. Develops faith
8. Crucifies unbelief
9. Aids in prayer. Matthew 4:1-11; 17:14-21
All believers are supposed to fast, but no regulations or set rules are given as to how long or how often. That is determined by individual desire and needs – Matthew 9:14-15; 1 Cor 7:5; Acts 13:1-5
Men (mankind) should fast when:
1. Under chastening – 2 Sam 12:16-23
2. In need. Ezra 8:21
3. Under judgment. 1 Kings 21-27
4. In danger. Esther 4
5. When worried. Dan 6:18
6. In trouble. Acts 27:9, 33
7. In spiritual conflict. Mt 4:1-11
8. And when desperate in prayer. Acts 9
Hunger always leaves after a few days of a fast and returns after a long fast of about 40 days or when all toxic poisons have been expelled from the body. Any normal healthy person can fast this long without any harm. Starvation only begins after hunger returns in such cases. One must use water in long fasts and break the fast gradually.
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February 3, 2008
Psalms 61Oh God save me. The floods around me rise deeper and deeper. I sink in the mire and the waters are all around me, I have wept until I am exhausted, My throat is dry and hoarse, My eyes are swollen with weeping waiting for my God to act. But I keep on praying to you Lord. Pull me out of this mire, don’t let me sink deeper and rescue me from the deep waters I am in.
God you know how stupid I am, You know all my sins. Don’t let me be a stumbling block to those who trust in You; don’t let me cause them to be confused. How they scoff and mock me when I mourn and fast before the Lord
Now answer my prayers and rescue me as you promised. Now is the time you are bending down to hear. I praise God with my singing and my thanks will be His praise; for God hears the cries of His needy ones and He is ready with a plentiful supply of love and kindness.
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February 2, 2008
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)There are two roads before us; one road is filled with all sorts of unpleasantries and challenges where the weight of life is burdensome. Problem after problem come to tear apart your confidence leaving only stress and worry. It is so easy for us to function as we have been conditioned by the world.
The other road is also difficult but in a different way. The road of faith is very challenging as well but without the falling back on human resource or the yielding to unbelief. It’s most difficult to live a life of faith trusting in an invisible God who has promised to provide and care for us. Humans, by nature, are used to solving their own problems and it almost seems wrong to not try.
Day by day and sometimes moment-by-moment worldly influences invading thoughts need to be surrendered, but if biblical principles are being followed and if we yield to God’s sovereign hand, then God obligates Himself to keep His promises. God is faithful and will do what He has said He would do.
What you fill your mind with is essential as you travel the road of faith. Are you looking at how big your problems are or seeing how big your God is. If you fill your mind with what is true, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy you will rise above circumstances into a place of rest, faith and trust.
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February 1, 2008
"By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." Heb 11:3 (NAS)"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." Deut 29:29 (NIV)
In the design process, a designer visualizes a design with its colors and textures long before anything is purchased or put into place; in fact, new creative ideas are conceived and born daily. Hebrews 11:3 says that God created everything there is out of nothing. There weren’t pieces of animal, mineral, and vegetable lying around to put together; creation was birthed out of a complete void.
As God’s conduits on earth, we are used in this same creation process. Have you ever seen your backyard garden before it was planted, a passion of yours come to pass or a living room filled and in your favorite colors? You saw it, and then you created it.
He sees then He speaks, and He speaks and reveals things to you. He has already seen it and has spoken it; His words will not come back void. The creative process has already begun. We are people of faith - seeing what we hope for; activate your faith and watch the spoken Word that has been revealed to you become reality.
Last week it snowed and as I was waiting at a stop sign, a snowflake fell on my windshield. It was a tiny elaborately detailed star, then another one fell; it was equally as small yet with a different shape. Each one was beautiful and uniquely made. It delighted me to see the beauty of His creation, and if it brought joy to me, I know it brought Him joy that I noticed. If He delights in making a snow flake that is here one moment and gone the next, then how much more does He delight in creating lasting things for those He loves? There is so much He want to give you. Listen and believe, ask and it will be given.
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Day 31
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.Philippians 4:6
God is true to His word. If He said it, He will do it. It has been my observance over the years that people don’t approach prayer confidently because of fear. How do we know the will of God and how do we know if God will answer? Why would God want us to pray if He didn’t intend to answer? God cannot be manipulated; He is the one who responds out of His love nature, achieving His best plan.
If we are honest with ourselves, we all want answers that achieve earthly ease and earthly ease is not what God desires. He is not as interested in our circumstances as He is in our ultimate end. The Israelites had to be in Egyptian bondage to become a nation. Think about it, when life is great, we aren’t desperately in need of God. It is only in our weakness that we cry out; so does that mean God sends prevailing trials? No, God is good all the time and cannot send evil to force us to respond to Him.
Unbelief is the problem. It is easy to believe in what we see, but extremely difficult to believe in what we cannot, especially when God may or may not do what we ask. It is not up to us to know how a prayer is answered, it is up to us to pray and it is God’s job to release answers. Submission and obedience are key; obediently we ask, trusting God to respond according to His master plan.
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Command Two
P.O.Box 2213
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-2213
E-mail Command Two
©Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved
P.O.Box 2213
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-2213
E-mail Command Two
©Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved
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