Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
Over the years, there have been many doubters and scoffers concerning the validity of the birth of Christ. Theologians and pastors have been tripped up with the notion that Mary really didn't conceive the Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Friend, if the virgin birth of Christ is a lie, then it's all a lie. I choose to believe that if God can open the red sea, and blow a whole five miles wide and get millions of Jews through it, if God can deliver 3 Hebrew men from a fiery furnace without the smell of smoke on them, and if God can lock the jaws of lions for Daniel, what's the notion that God can't bring our Lord Jesus through a virgin Mary?
The real question you must ask yourself is, what will overshadow my life this New Year? It's easy to be overshadowed with your pasts, your blunders, your doubts, discouragement, defeat, fear and deception, questions about your hurts, and the oxymoron's of life. Some things may never make sense.
The word states that the angel of the Lord said to Mary,"Thou hast found favor with God and thou shalt conceive a child and bring forth the Son of God."
Mary has got to be saying to herself, "How can this be since I know not a man, the angle says, the Holy Spirit will come and overshadow you and thou will bear a son." Here is the bottom line, that is exactly what happens, Mary conceived and brought forth the living Son of God Immanuel, God is with us.
Will you be overshadowed this year with your doubts, your questions, your misunderstandings with life and God, will you choose to get bogged down in the quagmire of being discouraged over your past? Mary chose to believe and the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she brought forth the Son of the living God.
Paul said; "Forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth unto those things that are before us." What will you choose to overshadow your life, your mind your thoughts, your heart? What will you allow to conceive in your spirit this New Year?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Living In No-Man's-Land? 1
Genesis 4:1-25
There is a saying; "Sin will take you further than you want to go, it will keep you longer than you want to stay and it will costs you more than you want to pay." This story brings out that truth in a powerful way.
Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Able. Cain was a farmer and Able was a herdsman. Cain brought an offering in time to God; Able brought an offering from the first-born animals of his herd. God was pleased with Abel's offering but was displeased with Cain's.
God's displeasure with Cain's offering stimulated jealousy in his heart. Why didn't Cain ask God to show him the reason for his displeasure? Why did Cain choose to take the path of anger and jealousy towards his brother Able? He saw him in the field and chose to kill him. (8)
Let's look at one reason this man ended up living in no man's land.
He ignored the fact that God wasn't pleased with his bringing his own offering. Why was God displeased with Cain's offering? What's the big deal here? Notice that God says that Able brought to him his firstlings of his flock or his first-born. NASV 4:4 it says; "Cain in the course of time brought God and offering." NASV 4:3
God wants your First-Fruit. God's not interested in becoming second or third or in forth place. It's easy to put your job, your marriage, and your kids before your relationship with God. Ask yourself; "Is God first in my life?
God tells us in Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." God doesn't say to bring in the tithe after paying the electric bill, and the car payment, the insurance, the boat payment. When you get around to it.
No, God tells us that he wants the first-fruit, He wants to have first place in your heart. God says; "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." When I buy a stock for an investment, I tend to watch closely if the stock goes up or down.
God is saying, where you put your money, that is where your heart will be. You will follow after where you have placed your money. Cain's first mistake was that when he got around to giving and offering to God, he brought it when he got ready.
God says; No, that's not going to work. That was his first mistake that led him to into no man's land. Ask yourself today; " Is He really first in my life?" It's only when He becomes first in our lives that we can live under the blessings and the favor of God on our lives. Were there other reasons he ended up living in no mans land?
oceanwayag.com
There is a saying; "Sin will take you further than you want to go, it will keep you longer than you want to stay and it will costs you more than you want to pay." This story brings out that truth in a powerful way.
Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Able. Cain was a farmer and Able was a herdsman. Cain brought an offering in time to God; Able brought an offering from the first-born animals of his herd. God was pleased with Abel's offering but was displeased with Cain's.
God's displeasure with Cain's offering stimulated jealousy in his heart. Why didn't Cain ask God to show him the reason for his displeasure? Why did Cain choose to take the path of anger and jealousy towards his brother Able? He saw him in the field and chose to kill him. (8)
Let's look at one reason this man ended up living in no man's land.
He ignored the fact that God wasn't pleased with his bringing his own offering. Why was God displeased with Cain's offering? What's the big deal here? Notice that God says that Able brought to him his firstlings of his flock or his first-born. NASV 4:4 it says; "Cain in the course of time brought God and offering." NASV 4:3
God wants your First-Fruit. God's not interested in becoming second or third or in forth place. It's easy to put your job, your marriage, and your kids before your relationship with God. Ask yourself; "Is God first in my life?
God tells us in Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." God doesn't say to bring in the tithe after paying the electric bill, and the car payment, the insurance, the boat payment. When you get around to it.
No, God tells us that he wants the first-fruit, He wants to have first place in your heart. God says; "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." When I buy a stock for an investment, I tend to watch closely if the stock goes up or down.
God is saying, where you put your money, that is where your heart will be. You will follow after where you have placed your money. Cain's first mistake was that when he got around to giving and offering to God, he brought it when he got ready.
God says; No, that's not going to work. That was his first mistake that led him to into no man's land. Ask yourself today; " Is He really first in my life?" It's only when He becomes first in our lives that we can live under the blessings and the favor of God on our lives. Were there other reasons he ended up living in no mans land?
oceanwayag.com
Living In No-Man's-Land? 2
Genesis 4:1-25
16 And Cain went away from the Lord's presence and lived in a land called “Wandering,” which is east of Eden.
Before the GPS became so easily assessable on our smart phones and in our automobiles, there have been a few times that I just went on my gut that I knew how to get to my destination. Was it really necessary to stop and ask for directions? Hum, boy have I ended up in no man's land a few times in my life.
Man was placed here on earth to live under the shadow of God's favor and blessing. But somewhere in life, man decided to try things according to his own gut feelings, or even worst listen to the wrong voice. Is it really necessary to stop and ask for directions from the God who created us?
Cain gives us the perfect example of why you don't want to live your life according to your own gut notions in life. Why you don't want to listen to just anybody in getting where you need to go. There's a reason that this man ended up in living in no mans land.
Cain turned his anger towards his brother Able instead of looking at his own waywardness. It's easy to shift the blame elsewhere than where it actually belongs.
He became jealous over his brother's offering to God, instead of pursuing out his own need for correction, he chose to kill Able.
Killing his brother didn't fix his problems with God. He only added to his heartache and grief by ignoring his own faults. Ignoring God's ways, God's truths, and God's road will lead you to more sorrow and emptiness in life.
Cain is now taking the same path that his mother and father took. Their own gut notions got them removed from the Garden of Eden. Their believing the lies of the serpent got them in their own no man's land. Why should any of us be removed from living in the land that God had created and planned for our lives?
Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.(16) Why would you want to settle for the east-side of life? Why would you want to settle for least that what he has planned out for your destiny? Ignoring God's plan will place you so far from God's intentions and Best for your life.
Ask the Lord today, "Would you help me to live out each day and each step with your instructions, your design, and your will for my life."
Enough of me having it my own way and living out my own stubborn gut notions. God only knows where that will place me. Chose to live out your life on the best side, by listening to him, then you'll find God's side and God's will for your life.
oceanwayag.com
16 And Cain went away from the Lord's presence and lived in a land called “Wandering,” which is east of Eden.
Before the GPS became so easily assessable on our smart phones and in our automobiles, there have been a few times that I just went on my gut that I knew how to get to my destination. Was it really necessary to stop and ask for directions? Hum, boy have I ended up in no man's land a few times in my life.
Man was placed here on earth to live under the shadow of God's favor and blessing. But somewhere in life, man decided to try things according to his own gut feelings, or even worst listen to the wrong voice. Is it really necessary to stop and ask for directions from the God who created us?
Cain gives us the perfect example of why you don't want to live your life according to your own gut notions in life. Why you don't want to listen to just anybody in getting where you need to go. There's a reason that this man ended up in living in no mans land.
Cain turned his anger towards his brother Able instead of looking at his own waywardness. It's easy to shift the blame elsewhere than where it actually belongs.
He became jealous over his brother's offering to God, instead of pursuing out his own need for correction, he chose to kill Able.
Killing his brother didn't fix his problems with God. He only added to his heartache and grief by ignoring his own faults. Ignoring God's ways, God's truths, and God's road will lead you to more sorrow and emptiness in life.
Cain is now taking the same path that his mother and father took. Their own gut notions got them removed from the Garden of Eden. Their believing the lies of the serpent got them in their own no man's land. Why should any of us be removed from living in the land that God had created and planned for our lives?
Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.(16) Why would you want to settle for the east-side of life? Why would you want to settle for least that what he has planned out for your destiny? Ignoring God's plan will place you so far from God's intentions and Best for your life.
Ask the Lord today, "Would you help me to live out each day and each step with your instructions, your design, and your will for my life."
Enough of me having it my own way and living out my own stubborn gut notions. God only knows where that will place me. Chose to live out your life on the best side, by listening to him, then you'll find God's side and God's will for your life.
oceanwayag.com
Monday, December 26, 2011
Where's Your Confidence?
2 Samuel 24:1-25
Satan seduces David into counting his people, focusing on his strengths, his success, and his victories. He is being tempted to place his confidence in his numbers, his chariots, his horses, and his troops. Changing your focus to your strengths spells trouble, and will bring great heartache and grief to each of us.
David is tempted to look at his hand, his power, and his strength his wins as if it's something that he has made happen. You and I better always remember that if we have had any wins at all, it's because of the mighty hand of God that has done it for us.
Joab resisted David in counting up of all their people. This census got Joab very nervous in what it would do with their connection with their holy God. Joab was concerned that this attitude was going to get them in trouble and he was right.
When the count was over, there were 1,100,000, over a million in numbers. Compared to the other armies in the region, I'm sure David was feeling pretty comfortable. The whole thing offended God that David was putting his trust into his chariots and in his great army. Psalms 20:7 "Some trust in chariots but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
This is what is so offensive to God when we put our confidence in our resources, our talents, our strengths, our abilities, our know how, our wisdom, our experiences to get us through life. Anytime you do this, you are saying to God, I'm really not dependent on your opinion in my next move, my next decision, my next difficulty, and my next battle because I already have it under control.
Pride goeth before destruction. When you think you have it all together because of what you can do with your hand, you are headed for a huge fall. When David defeated the giant, the bear, the lion, it was all on the basis of "I come to you in the name of the Lord my God," not in the name of my gift, my talents, my resources, my doings. Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."
Great sorrow came to Israel because of David's sin. He was given a choice of 1of 3 punishments for his sin. David chose not to be destroyed by his enemies, or 3 years of famine, but rather 3 days of God's sword, an epidemic unleashed on the country by an angle of God.
70,000 in Israel died as a result of his sin. David cries out, "Lord I am the one to blame not my people, take it out on me not them." David makes things right by building an altar to God at the threshing floor of Araunah. David pays for the place at market price, 600 shekels of gold. Then God told the angle to put his sword back into its scabbard.
Friend God will allow all of us to get in a place of discomfort as a reminder that none of us can do this thing without the hand of the Lord at our side. It's okay to be in need of something from the Lord. Never get to the place that you think you can do it on your own. Place your confidence today in the Lord alone.
"For the Lord shall be thy confidence and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:26
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Satan seduces David into counting his people, focusing on his strengths, his success, and his victories. He is being tempted to place his confidence in his numbers, his chariots, his horses, and his troops. Changing your focus to your strengths spells trouble, and will bring great heartache and grief to each of us.
David is tempted to look at his hand, his power, and his strength his wins as if it's something that he has made happen. You and I better always remember that if we have had any wins at all, it's because of the mighty hand of God that has done it for us.
Joab resisted David in counting up of all their people. This census got Joab very nervous in what it would do with their connection with their holy God. Joab was concerned that this attitude was going to get them in trouble and he was right.
When the count was over, there were 1,100,000, over a million in numbers. Compared to the other armies in the region, I'm sure David was feeling pretty comfortable. The whole thing offended God that David was putting his trust into his chariots and in his great army. Psalms 20:7 "Some trust in chariots but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
This is what is so offensive to God when we put our confidence in our resources, our talents, our strengths, our abilities, our know how, our wisdom, our experiences to get us through life. Anytime you do this, you are saying to God, I'm really not dependent on your opinion in my next move, my next decision, my next difficulty, and my next battle because I already have it under control.
Pride goeth before destruction. When you think you have it all together because of what you can do with your hand, you are headed for a huge fall. When David defeated the giant, the bear, the lion, it was all on the basis of "I come to you in the name of the Lord my God," not in the name of my gift, my talents, my resources, my doings. Paul says, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."
Great sorrow came to Israel because of David's sin. He was given a choice of 1of 3 punishments for his sin. David chose not to be destroyed by his enemies, or 3 years of famine, but rather 3 days of God's sword, an epidemic unleashed on the country by an angle of God.
70,000 in Israel died as a result of his sin. David cries out, "Lord I am the one to blame not my people, take it out on me not them." David makes things right by building an altar to God at the threshing floor of Araunah. David pays for the place at market price, 600 shekels of gold. Then God told the angle to put his sword back into its scabbard.
Friend God will allow all of us to get in a place of discomfort as a reminder that none of us can do this thing without the hand of the Lord at our side. It's okay to be in need of something from the Lord. Never get to the place that you think you can do it on your own. Place your confidence today in the Lord alone.
"For the Lord shall be thy confidence and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:26
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Thursday, December 22, 2011
"But, When?"
Abraham, in his older age had no kids. Sarah was barren and what has become of the promise that God had spoken? God had promise Abraham your going to have a huge family. I'm certain that he is saying; "but when?"
In his olden age, I'm certain it would have been easy to focus on his impotence, it would have been easy to focus on his ripen old body, or focus on the of infertility of Sarah, where would this man place his focus?
Would God make good on the promise he made to Abram? What you focus on is what you will produce in your life. Sarah said to Abram; "take Hagar, she will produce you a son." The word states; "Abram hearken to the voice of Sarah." Anytime you hearken to the voice of doubt or unbelief, you will get what doubt delivers.
Abram thought on Sarah's words, well this sounds like the easy solution to me. So Abram took Hagar and she gave him a son, his name was Ishmael. Was this God's plan? Was this what God had in mind for the future of Abram and Sarah?
How many times have we all focused on our doubts and questions about the promise? Proverbs 13:12 says; "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Friend be careful that when the dream is delayed that you don't settle for something less than God's best for your life. Anemic faith will produce Ishmael's and not Isaac's.
We have all gotten impatience with the dream, the vision, the hope in our heart for our miracle or for our breakthrough. Abram was instructed in Genesis 16, "Walk before me and be thou perfect." God was saying Ishmael wasn't in my plan or my design. It was your impatience with the dream. Proverbs 13:12 conclude; a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
No wonder God says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
The end of the story is better than the beginning. Abram's name is changed to Abraham and he walks into the promise from God. Notice his blunder doesn't change the plans of God. In their old age, Sarah brings forth Isaac, the promise son. God's dreams are worth waiting for. Are you still asking, still knocking, and still believing? Go ahead and believe that nothing is too difficult for God to do, regardless of the seemingly impossibility that is standing before you.
Oceanwayag.com Dannysdevotional.com
In his olden age, I'm certain it would have been easy to focus on his impotence, it would have been easy to focus on his ripen old body, or focus on the of infertility of Sarah, where would this man place his focus?
Would God make good on the promise he made to Abram? What you focus on is what you will produce in your life. Sarah said to Abram; "take Hagar, she will produce you a son." The word states; "Abram hearken to the voice of Sarah." Anytime you hearken to the voice of doubt or unbelief, you will get what doubt delivers.
Abram thought on Sarah's words, well this sounds like the easy solution to me. So Abram took Hagar and she gave him a son, his name was Ishmael. Was this God's plan? Was this what God had in mind for the future of Abram and Sarah?
How many times have we all focused on our doubts and questions about the promise? Proverbs 13:12 says; "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Friend be careful that when the dream is delayed that you don't settle for something less than God's best for your life. Anemic faith will produce Ishmael's and not Isaac's.
We have all gotten impatience with the dream, the vision, the hope in our heart for our miracle or for our breakthrough. Abram was instructed in Genesis 16, "Walk before me and be thou perfect." God was saying Ishmael wasn't in my plan or my design. It was your impatience with the dream. Proverbs 13:12 conclude; a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
No wonder God says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
The end of the story is better than the beginning. Abram's name is changed to Abraham and he walks into the promise from God. Notice his blunder doesn't change the plans of God. In their old age, Sarah brings forth Isaac, the promise son. God's dreams are worth waiting for. Are you still asking, still knocking, and still believing? Go ahead and believe that nothing is too difficult for God to do, regardless of the seemingly impossibility that is standing before you.
Oceanwayag.com Dannysdevotional.com
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Living With God's Blessings?
Luke 6:38 GIve and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure you mete it shall be measure to you again.
Why does God spend so much time in the bible to talk to us about money? Some have chosen to ignore his principals and truths in the word of God, others may have not listen closely to what He says about their finances.
Years ago when my wife and I got married and I started in college; I immediately felt the pressure of putting food on the table, making the rent payment, paying the electric bill among other things. Money was tight, yet I had been taught to always put God first by giving God 10% off the top.
When the pressure was on, I thought, "Well I will skip this week and catch up next week." That week the water pump went out in the Monte Carlo. I thought; "Well I will catch up after I fix the car." The next week someone stole all our new wedding towels from the apartment laundry mat. The next week my music stereo in the house broke. God was after my attention.
3 weeks in a row, everything around me was falling apart. I said; "okay God I get it." From that point on I didn't care if we ate weenies, I was going to give God the first part, the first fruit, the 10% that already belonged to God. God clearly states; "If you choose not to bring the tithe, "You have robbed me." God states; "if that's your choice, "judgment will fall upon us." Malachi 3:8-12
Ever since those horrible experiences, I chose to follow a plan to win in my finances. God has proven to me that He can take the 10% and return far more than I can give. From that point, God removed the judgment, the curse off of my money matters.
So many just don't get what I just said, God promises to open up the heavens of blessings when we bring the tithes into the storehouse. That is your local church, not TBN, or CBN, or your favorite ministry in the land.
Go ahead; test God with giving your tithes and offerings. When you fully obey what He directs you to do with your money, see if He won't open to you the windows of heaven. All of this principal boils down to one thing, will you believe God's word or not? All I can say is He has blessed me more than you have time to listen.
Time and time again he has proven himself. He is not a liar. I live in a home that was a result of being a giver. Too long to tell the story, but God opened the door and the heavens to make it happen. My goal is to give 50% of what comes my way. Be a pipe for God to flow through, ....you can't believe what He will do in return.
Why does God spend so much time in the bible to talk to us about money? Some have chosen to ignore his principals and truths in the word of God, others may have not listen closely to what He says about their finances.
Years ago when my wife and I got married and I started in college; I immediately felt the pressure of putting food on the table, making the rent payment, paying the electric bill among other things. Money was tight, yet I had been taught to always put God first by giving God 10% off the top.
When the pressure was on, I thought, "Well I will skip this week and catch up next week." That week the water pump went out in the Monte Carlo. I thought; "Well I will catch up after I fix the car." The next week someone stole all our new wedding towels from the apartment laundry mat. The next week my music stereo in the house broke. God was after my attention.
3 weeks in a row, everything around me was falling apart. I said; "okay God I get it." From that point on I didn't care if we ate weenies, I was going to give God the first part, the first fruit, the 10% that already belonged to God. God clearly states; "If you choose not to bring the tithe, "You have robbed me." God states; "if that's your choice, "judgment will fall upon us." Malachi 3:8-12
Ever since those horrible experiences, I chose to follow a plan to win in my finances. God has proven to me that He can take the 10% and return far more than I can give. From that point, God removed the judgment, the curse off of my money matters.
So many just don't get what I just said, God promises to open up the heavens of blessings when we bring the tithes into the storehouse. That is your local church, not TBN, or CBN, or your favorite ministry in the land.
Go ahead; test God with giving your tithes and offerings. When you fully obey what He directs you to do with your money, see if He won't open to you the windows of heaven. All of this principal boils down to one thing, will you believe God's word or not? All I can say is He has blessed me more than you have time to listen.
Time and time again he has proven himself. He is not a liar. I live in a home that was a result of being a giver. Too long to tell the story, but God opened the door and the heavens to make it happen. My goal is to give 50% of what comes my way. Be a pipe for God to flow through, ....you can't believe what He will do in return.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Is There An Underworld?
Many places in the word of God speak of the underworld. Ezekiel speaks of nations that are dying in their iniquity and many that are already living in the underworld.
The greatest peace in life is not that I live in a nice home or that I drive a nice automobile, or that I have a retirement account. You can have all the money in the world and lose your own soul. There is a real place in the underworld called hell. Hell was not made for people, but for the devil and his fallen angles. Matthew 25:41
All through the scriptures God warns men of a coming day of judgment. There are two judgments, the Great White Throne judgment and the Judgment Seat of Christ. One is for sinners and the others are for Christians. Revelations 20:1-15, Romans 14:10
In Genesis chapter 6, God states that he would destroy mankind because man had fallen into every wicked imagination possible. There was one man who walked into integrity and the word says; "he found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Noah was told to build an ark, and in his obedience he and his family were saved when God's flood of judgment came on the earth.
The only thing that is going to give us grace in our future days is the mercy of God. Jesus Christ showed us mercy when he came to this earth to die for our sins. He went to the cross to die for our sins so we wouldn't have to pay for our own shame and iniquities.
There is a place of judgment for each of us. The real question is will you be judge for your sins, or for your works?
People at the Great White Throne will be judged for their sins. Every evil deed will be exposed on that day. Those at the Judgment Seat of Christ will not be judged for their sins but for their works here on earth. For they have been covered by the blood of the lamb. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
The greatest concern anyone should ever have in life is this; where will I spend eternity? Do you know if you were to die today where you would spend eternity? All the millions of dollars in the world can't help you on the Day of judgment.
Jesus speaks of the rich man that went to a real place called hell. In hell he prayed that someone would go and warn his 5 brothers that he was in torment and they should avoid this place. Luke 16:19-31
God loved us so much that he wasn't willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Don't ignore the price and the work that Christ did on the cross for you. He paid the price of our sins on the cross, so we wouldn't have to go to an underworld called hell.
If you're not sure your ready for heaven and that if you died today where you would spend eternity, pray this prayer;
"Lord, I confess that I'm a sinner, and I need you to be my savior. I believe that you died for my sins on the cross, and that you rose again on the 3rd day. Cleanse me and forgive me now of all my sins, and from this day forward I will live for you and follow you all the days of my life."
If you prayed that prayer, and believed in your heart on Christ, God says; Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. He also declares that he will write your name down in the Lamb's Book of Life. Friend continue to read your bible and find a good bible base church so you can grow and mature in the Lord. Smile all the angles in heaven are rejoicing today that you have come home and received Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Winning Over Loneliness
Hebrews 13:5b "He has said, I will never leave you or abandon you."
Why are there so many lonely people in the world? Why do so many continue to keep living in their despair and state of mind? Is there anything or anyone who can turn our hurt and sorrow into a new life? What is the answer to someone's loneliness?
Jesus came to this earth to fill the empty rooms of a man's soul. Years ago I came home late one evening and the door was open. The door had either been left open, or someone was inside our dark home. Fear gripped my heart as I entered the house. You see, my wife and I lived across the street from an orange grove. Daily workers were shuttled to work the hundreds of acres of orange groves.
Was there an intruder in the house? Was there a thief inside plummeting through our belongings? Just who was inside our home? I started through our first door that led into the garage. About that time it felt as if I was pushing against a man's foot that stopped the door. I plunged in and my big 13- size tennis shoe was behind the door. I flipped the light on and thank God no one was in the garage. I found my broom and started down the hallway sticking first the broom through the door and turning the light on in each room. It wasn't until I had the light on in each room did I have peace and strength that everything was okay in our home.
The beginning of peace in our lonely hearts is to get the light on in each room of our lives. The light of God will drive out the fear, the loneliness, the unsettledness, the uncertainty, the void, the misery that tries to overwhelm our lives.
Jesus says that we are made up of body, mind and spirit. When the light of Gods word fills the captivity of your life, something stands up on the inside of you that declares His greatness. God's light says; "It's going to be okay, you're going to be just fine, you will overcome the dark situation that you're facing." This hurt, this pain, this sorrow that is trying to squeeze the life out of me, is nothing to the powerful light of God.
If you take a magnifying glass and place it over a piece of paper, when the sun shines thought the glass, it produces so much heat, it can burn a whole through the paper.
When we allow the light, the son of God to shine through our minds, our spirit, our hearts, there is no object, no force, no intrusion, no devil, no fear that can overcome the rooms of our heart and spirit. If your facing a great ordeal on the stormy sea of life? Remember what Paul said in Acts 27 that got him through the winds and waves that ripped the ship apart. He states that; "all hope that we should be saved was taken away."
He then goes on to state; "there stood by me this night and angle of God that said; don't be afraid, Paul you must stand before Caesar, indeed God has also graciously given you everyone sailing with you. I believe it shall be even as it was told to me."
God never promised us a smooth ride, but He did promise us that He would never leave us or forsake us. Paul and the other's on the ship got to the shore on broken boards from the ship, but they all made it sound and alive.
So go on to sleep tonight, and let the devil stay up and worry about your issues. There is a great God inside the rooms of your heart that says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
Why are there so many lonely people in the world? Why do so many continue to keep living in their despair and state of mind? Is there anything or anyone who can turn our hurt and sorrow into a new life? What is the answer to someone's loneliness?
Jesus came to this earth to fill the empty rooms of a man's soul. Years ago I came home late one evening and the door was open. The door had either been left open, or someone was inside our dark home. Fear gripped my heart as I entered the house. You see, my wife and I lived across the street from an orange grove. Daily workers were shuttled to work the hundreds of acres of orange groves.
Was there an intruder in the house? Was there a thief inside plummeting through our belongings? Just who was inside our home? I started through our first door that led into the garage. About that time it felt as if I was pushing against a man's foot that stopped the door. I plunged in and my big 13- size tennis shoe was behind the door. I flipped the light on and thank God no one was in the garage. I found my broom and started down the hallway sticking first the broom through the door and turning the light on in each room. It wasn't until I had the light on in each room did I have peace and strength that everything was okay in our home.
The beginning of peace in our lonely hearts is to get the light on in each room of our lives. The light of God will drive out the fear, the loneliness, the unsettledness, the uncertainty, the void, the misery that tries to overwhelm our lives.
Jesus says that we are made up of body, mind and spirit. When the light of Gods word fills the captivity of your life, something stands up on the inside of you that declares His greatness. God's light says; "It's going to be okay, you're going to be just fine, you will overcome the dark situation that you're facing." This hurt, this pain, this sorrow that is trying to squeeze the life out of me, is nothing to the powerful light of God.
If you take a magnifying glass and place it over a piece of paper, when the sun shines thought the glass, it produces so much heat, it can burn a whole through the paper.
When we allow the light, the son of God to shine through our minds, our spirit, our hearts, there is no object, no force, no intrusion, no devil, no fear that can overcome the rooms of our heart and spirit. If your facing a great ordeal on the stormy sea of life? Remember what Paul said in Acts 27 that got him through the winds and waves that ripped the ship apart. He states that; "all hope that we should be saved was taken away."
He then goes on to state; "there stood by me this night and angle of God that said; don't be afraid, Paul you must stand before Caesar, indeed God has also graciously given you everyone sailing with you. I believe it shall be even as it was told to me."
God never promised us a smooth ride, but He did promise us that He would never leave us or forsake us. Paul and the other's on the ship got to the shore on broken boards from the ship, but they all made it sound and alive.
So go on to sleep tonight, and let the devil stay up and worry about your issues. There is a great God inside the rooms of your heart that says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
Monday, December 12, 2011
Asking More Than Once? (4) Expectation
2 Kings 13:14-25
Is there something hindering your prayers from getting off the ground? At times we feel like our prayers are lingering on the tarmac, waiting to take off, stalled on the runway.
Elisha told the king of Israel that if he wanted to win his battles over Syria; "take the arrow and strike the ground, victory will surely be yours." King Joash struck the ground 3 times. The prophet was angry at his actions; "you will only win 3 battles, you should have struck 5 or 6 times." Ephesians 3:20 says; "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think according tot he power that worketh within us."
There is much to be said that he only struck the arrow 3 times on the ground and stopped. Each time that he struck the ground was a sign of the victory that would be his over the nation of Syria. Satan is a lying deceiver that doesn't want you and I to believe that there are victories beyond our own means. The king only struck 3 times because that was the limit of his expectation of what God could do for him.
Then he instructed him to; "open the window towards the east." "Now shoot the arrows towards the east." The sun rises in the east each morning and that represents God's favor and blessing rising upon your life each day.
The word states that this conversation with King Joash took place just before Elisha died. He was buried in the side of a cave. It's note worthy that Elisha was promised a double portion would come upon his life. Elijah had done some great miracles while he lived out his life, but Elisha said; "I want a double portion." Did He get what he had asked for? Did he get what he was expecting? Did he get a double portion of what was upon Elisha?
It's interesting that Elisha was one miracle shy of twice of the prophet Elijah. Someone says; "but why?" Why would God not come through like he promised? Friend if God said it that settles it, it will come to pass just as he has spoken.
See there were a band of Moabites that were burying one of their men, but they heard the enemy coming up on them. They threw the dead man's body into and open grave. It just so happens to be the grave of Elisha. When the man's body touches the bones of Elisha, the man came back to life from the dead. He walked out of that grave on his own two feet. Yes the one last miracle promised to Elisha came to past, just like God said it would.
In your battle and your struggle, what would show up on your expectation meter today? Friend, keep believing, keep expecting, keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking, and it shall be open to you.
Is there something hindering your prayers from getting off the ground? At times we feel like our prayers are lingering on the tarmac, waiting to take off, stalled on the runway.
Elisha told the king of Israel that if he wanted to win his battles over Syria; "take the arrow and strike the ground, victory will surely be yours." King Joash struck the ground 3 times. The prophet was angry at his actions; "you will only win 3 battles, you should have struck 5 or 6 times." Ephesians 3:20 says; "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think according tot he power that worketh within us."
There is much to be said that he only struck the arrow 3 times on the ground and stopped. Each time that he struck the ground was a sign of the victory that would be his over the nation of Syria. Satan is a lying deceiver that doesn't want you and I to believe that there are victories beyond our own means. The king only struck 3 times because that was the limit of his expectation of what God could do for him.
Then he instructed him to; "open the window towards the east." "Now shoot the arrows towards the east." The sun rises in the east each morning and that represents God's favor and blessing rising upon your life each day.
The word states that this conversation with King Joash took place just before Elisha died. He was buried in the side of a cave. It's note worthy that Elisha was promised a double portion would come upon his life. Elijah had done some great miracles while he lived out his life, but Elisha said; "I want a double portion." Did He get what he had asked for? Did he get what he was expecting? Did he get a double portion of what was upon Elisha?
It's interesting that Elisha was one miracle shy of twice of the prophet Elijah. Someone says; "but why?" Why would God not come through like he promised? Friend if God said it that settles it, it will come to pass just as he has spoken.
See there were a band of Moabites that were burying one of their men, but they heard the enemy coming up on them. They threw the dead man's body into and open grave. It just so happens to be the grave of Elisha. When the man's body touches the bones of Elisha, the man came back to life from the dead. He walked out of that grave on his own two feet. Yes the one last miracle promised to Elisha came to past, just like God said it would.
In your battle and your struggle, what would show up on your expectation meter today? Friend, keep believing, keep expecting, keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking, and it shall be open to you.
Friday, December 9, 2011
I Was Born To Do This
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
There is nothing more gratifying and satisfying than knowing that you are working at the post that God has created and assigned for your life. There is nothing more refreshing than allowing the work of the Holy Spirit to take the steering wheel of your decisions and call of God on your life.
From time to time I have people in our church that says; pastor I don't know how you do what you do? I really do believe that there is a "cup of grace" that God gives each of us, maybe to be a nurse, a doctor, a pastor, a teacher, a engineer, a plumber, a electrician, a carpenter, a fishermen, a judge or a missionary. All of us in life have a place, a post, a particular mandate and an assignment in life.
Peter says; This is the post to which I've been assigned-keeping you alert with frequent reminders-and I'm sticking to it as long as I live.
"I am not afraid, I was born to do this" Joan of Arc (1412-1431) heroine of France. Paul says;" I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me;"
If we were to go through the pages of history in the word of God, we would see that God hand picks each of us for a job, a task, an assignment, a mandate for life.
Esther was brought to the kingdom for such a time when the Jews were under great persecution from Haman. A decree has already been signed and sealed for every Jew to be destroyed. It just so happen that the king's queen Vashti was fired for her actions towards the king. The king had a beauty contest and guess who was chosen out of hundreds of contestants to be the new queen? Her name was Esther.
God just so happen to have one in the wings ready to come to the rescue of the Jews whose lives were hanging in the balance. Thousands of Jews were saved because she was willing to be used in the hands of a mighty God.
Mordecai said to his cousin Esther, "who knows whether you were brought to the kingdom for such a time as this?" The answer without any doubt was yes, God chose her to be the queen, not because of her beauty, but because there was a mandate for her to fulfill in defeating the devil, and a assignment in saving her people.
Jesus said to his disciples,"ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain." John 15:16
Jesus says to his disciples; "Peace be unto you, as my father hath sent me, so send I you." John 20:21
What will happen if you say no to the call and the will of God? What would have happen, if Jonah had not have changed his mind after 3 days in the belly of a whale in going to Ninevah?
What would have happen had Nehemiah stayed comfortable in palace of Shushan? What if he had have said; "let somebody else go and rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem?"
What would have happen had Billy Graham chosen to go in another direction for his life? What would have happen had Smith Wigglesworth continued on with his business, instead of following the call of God to preach the word of God?
There is one thing that drives me to stay with the assignment that God has chosen for my life. One day I will stand before my maker, and look into His eyes of fire. What will He say to me on the Day of Judgment? That is what keeps me going. We must not allow any deflating words of discouragement or the words of a Sanballat to bring us off of the wall.
Paul said; "Be confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Friend, there is a cup of grace that not only saves us but will also keep us on the trajectory path that He has chosen for our lives. Paul said; "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course and have kept the faith." Go ahead; "you were born to do this."
There is nothing more gratifying and satisfying than knowing that you are working at the post that God has created and assigned for your life. There is nothing more refreshing than allowing the work of the Holy Spirit to take the steering wheel of your decisions and call of God on your life.
From time to time I have people in our church that says; pastor I don't know how you do what you do? I really do believe that there is a "cup of grace" that God gives each of us, maybe to be a nurse, a doctor, a pastor, a teacher, a engineer, a plumber, a electrician, a carpenter, a fishermen, a judge or a missionary. All of us in life have a place, a post, a particular mandate and an assignment in life.
Peter says; This is the post to which I've been assigned-keeping you alert with frequent reminders-and I'm sticking to it as long as I live.
"I am not afraid, I was born to do this" Joan of Arc (1412-1431) heroine of France. Paul says;" I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me;"
If we were to go through the pages of history in the word of God, we would see that God hand picks each of us for a job, a task, an assignment, a mandate for life.
Esther was brought to the kingdom for such a time when the Jews were under great persecution from Haman. A decree has already been signed and sealed for every Jew to be destroyed. It just so happen that the king's queen Vashti was fired for her actions towards the king. The king had a beauty contest and guess who was chosen out of hundreds of contestants to be the new queen? Her name was Esther.
God just so happen to have one in the wings ready to come to the rescue of the Jews whose lives were hanging in the balance. Thousands of Jews were saved because she was willing to be used in the hands of a mighty God.
Mordecai said to his cousin Esther, "who knows whether you were brought to the kingdom for such a time as this?" The answer without any doubt was yes, God chose her to be the queen, not because of her beauty, but because there was a mandate for her to fulfill in defeating the devil, and a assignment in saving her people.
Jesus said to his disciples,"ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain." John 15:16
Jesus says to his disciples; "Peace be unto you, as my father hath sent me, so send I you." John 20:21
What will happen if you say no to the call and the will of God? What would have happen, if Jonah had not have changed his mind after 3 days in the belly of a whale in going to Ninevah?
What would have happen had Nehemiah stayed comfortable in palace of Shushan? What if he had have said; "let somebody else go and rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem?"
What would have happen had Billy Graham chosen to go in another direction for his life? What would have happen had Smith Wigglesworth continued on with his business, instead of following the call of God to preach the word of God?
There is one thing that drives me to stay with the assignment that God has chosen for my life. One day I will stand before my maker, and look into His eyes of fire. What will He say to me on the Day of Judgment? That is what keeps me going. We must not allow any deflating words of discouragement or the words of a Sanballat to bring us off of the wall.
Paul said; "Be confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Friend, there is a cup of grace that not only saves us but will also keep us on the trajectory path that He has chosen for our lives. Paul said; "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course and have kept the faith." Go ahead; "you were born to do this."
Monday, December 5, 2011
Asking More Than Once? (3) Confidence
Have you ever ask for something more than once? How do you respond when you don't get what you want? Satan is a condemning intimidator. He will go to any length to destroy our confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1-John 3:21 states; "that if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence in our Lord."
I am convinced that it's hell that comes to strip away our confidence in our God. Satan doesn't want us to believe that God is there for us in our test and trials, that He has abandoned us in our deepest valley, that He is to busy to hear the cry of our hearts in our storms, and to direct our lives.
Ps 34:17 "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth them from all their troubles."
" Accident or Design?"
The Sun is 93 million miles away from the earth. I don't believe that happen by accident. God is a great designer. If the sun were at a different distance, the temperatures would be some 50 degrees either way. There would be no life here on planet, as we know it.
The Rotation of the earth moves 365 times a year around the sun. If it only went 50 times around the sun, part of the planet would be in darkness and the other part would be mostly daylight. Again life wouldn't exist as they do here on earth if it were any other way.
The Air in the earth's atmosphere is 21% oxygen. If it were say 65% instead of what it is, every time someone lit a match, we would all be toast. God is a great designer and has a blueprint for your life. Refuse to believe the lies of hell that God has somehow forgotten about you in your deepest dark hour. Refuse to believe that God doesn't have time to design his perfect will for your life.
The key and answer to receiving what we need from God is based on our confidence that He hears us when we pray. Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think of him according to the power that worketh within us."
What power is working in your heart today? Is there confidence in your heart? Satan's greatest weapons against us are doubt and discouragement. Allow the weapon of the word of God cut down his dirty lies.
Paul says in Philippines 1:6 "Be confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." God has a plan for the storm your in today. He says in Romans 8:28; "And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose." What the devil means for evil, God will turn it for good.
Go to God every morning with confidence that He is waiting to hear the cry of your heart. "If God be for us, who can be against us." Remind him that He is the great designer of the earth and the developer of your life as well. Go ahead, ask again with confidence in you're heart that He is standing in heaven waiting to hear the cry of your heart.
I am convinced that it's hell that comes to strip away our confidence in our God. Satan doesn't want us to believe that God is there for us in our test and trials, that He has abandoned us in our deepest valley, that He is to busy to hear the cry of our hearts in our storms, and to direct our lives.
Ps 34:17 "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth them from all their troubles."
" Accident or Design?"
The Sun is 93 million miles away from the earth. I don't believe that happen by accident. God is a great designer. If the sun were at a different distance, the temperatures would be some 50 degrees either way. There would be no life here on planet, as we know it.
The Rotation of the earth moves 365 times a year around the sun. If it only went 50 times around the sun, part of the planet would be in darkness and the other part would be mostly daylight. Again life wouldn't exist as they do here on earth if it were any other way.
The Air in the earth's atmosphere is 21% oxygen. If it were say 65% instead of what it is, every time someone lit a match, we would all be toast. God is a great designer and has a blueprint for your life. Refuse to believe the lies of hell that God has somehow forgotten about you in your deepest dark hour. Refuse to believe that God doesn't have time to design his perfect will for your life.
The key and answer to receiving what we need from God is based on our confidence that He hears us when we pray. Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think of him according to the power that worketh within us."
What power is working in your heart today? Is there confidence in your heart? Satan's greatest weapons against us are doubt and discouragement. Allow the weapon of the word of God cut down his dirty lies.
Paul says in Philippines 1:6 "Be confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." God has a plan for the storm your in today. He says in Romans 8:28; "And we know that all things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose." What the devil means for evil, God will turn it for good.
Go to God every morning with confidence that He is waiting to hear the cry of your heart. "If God be for us, who can be against us." Remind him that He is the great designer of the earth and the developer of your life as well. Go ahead, ask again with confidence in you're heart that He is standing in heaven waiting to hear the cry of your heart.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Asking More Than Once? (2) Persistence
Some people brought to Jesus a blind man and begged Jesus to give him a healing touch. Jesus spit in the mans eyes and laid hands on him and asked, "Do you see anything?" The blind man said; " I see men walking as trees." Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again. From this point on the man could see clearly.
If Jesus prayed more than once, why would you and I only pray once and quit? Several places Jesus cried out to his father more than once in prayer.
Jesus has just been ask by his disciples in Luke 11:1-13 "Lord teach us how to pray?" Jesus tells the story in this text how that a man came at midnight to ask his friend for 3 loafs of bread. The friends response is; "leave me alone, I have already put the kids to bed, come back another time another day. The man continues to knock. This is the point that Christ was making. Have you quit knocking? Where is your own persistence? Where is your boldness?
Jesus is teaching his disciples don't give up so easy. Keep asking, keep knocking and keep seeking. We so quickly get discourage and dishearten that we turn away thinking that God is not hearing the cry of our hearts.
"The righteous cry out and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all of their troubles." Psalms 34:17 Tell me what father or mother wouldn't come running to the cry of his own baby that is in need?
This man kept knocking at the door. Jesus states that the man got up out of bed and got the man 3 loaves of bread not because it was convenient, not because it was the right time, not because he was up watching the late night show, not because it was easy. No No No.
Jesus states because of his importunity, the word means persistence. When your traveling on the road and your hungry, do you give up because you passed the exit with your favorite food? If I was betting, you will keep looking at the next exit. If you didn't find it on the next exit, you would keep looking until you found what you were looking for. That something that would fill your belly.
Why do we give up so easy? Some of you have been praying for your son who is on drugs, your daughter that is in jail, your health that has gone sour, your in-laws that have become outlaws, your marriage that is broke.
Jesus says when you have a need, keep asking, keep knocking, and keep seeking. I don't know why He hasn't answered your prayer yet, but He is a very present help in the time of need.
May God give you boldness that will stand up in you and never bail or give up on the cry in the pit of your soul. Keep asking with persistence and see what the Lord will do.
If Jesus prayed more than once, why would you and I only pray once and quit? Several places Jesus cried out to his father more than once in prayer.
Jesus has just been ask by his disciples in Luke 11:1-13 "Lord teach us how to pray?" Jesus tells the story in this text how that a man came at midnight to ask his friend for 3 loafs of bread. The friends response is; "leave me alone, I have already put the kids to bed, come back another time another day. The man continues to knock. This is the point that Christ was making. Have you quit knocking? Where is your own persistence? Where is your boldness?
Jesus is teaching his disciples don't give up so easy. Keep asking, keep knocking and keep seeking. We so quickly get discourage and dishearten that we turn away thinking that God is not hearing the cry of our hearts.
"The righteous cry out and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all of their troubles." Psalms 34:17 Tell me what father or mother wouldn't come running to the cry of his own baby that is in need?
This man kept knocking at the door. Jesus states that the man got up out of bed and got the man 3 loaves of bread not because it was convenient, not because it was the right time, not because he was up watching the late night show, not because it was easy. No No No.
Jesus states because of his importunity, the word means persistence. When your traveling on the road and your hungry, do you give up because you passed the exit with your favorite food? If I was betting, you will keep looking at the next exit. If you didn't find it on the next exit, you would keep looking until you found what you were looking for. That something that would fill your belly.
Why do we give up so easy? Some of you have been praying for your son who is on drugs, your daughter that is in jail, your health that has gone sour, your in-laws that have become outlaws, your marriage that is broke.
Jesus says when you have a need, keep asking, keep knocking, and keep seeking. I don't know why He hasn't answered your prayer yet, but He is a very present help in the time of need.
May God give you boldness that will stand up in you and never bail or give up on the cry in the pit of your soul. Keep asking with persistence and see what the Lord will do.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Asking More Than Once? (1) God's Will
There are those in the body of Christ that have formed an opinion that it's a lack of faith to ask more than once. Let's take another look at why it's a God thing to ask more than once.
My wife and I raised 3 children in our home. I don't recall a time that they were ever hindered in their ability to ask for something more than once. When they wanted to stop at Mc Donald's, wanted something to drink, wanted the newest cabbage patch doll, wanted they latest Nintendo game, they had no problem in asking more than once. Now they didn't always get what they wanted when they wanted it.
In looking back on my walk with Christ, I'm very thankful that God didn't always give me what I wanted when I wanted it. The Lord teaches us that we are to pray, "thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." I have to pray for the will of God to be processed in my life. There have been times that I didn't like it when God closed doors. God says; "I have set an open door before you." Friend quit trying to knock the door in. If God wants it open, He has the ability to open the door that is His will and plan for your life.
I was invited to preach with the possibly to pastor a church in Miami Florida. They call it; 'Trying out." After a great day in the ministering and seeing several come forward for salvation, God didn't open the door for us to move there. I was a bit upset with God. God why? I had prayed for the will of God, but when God shut the door, I didn't like His decision. We are to always pray for the will of God in all of our decisions. Year later I saw why God closed the door. He had a perfect plan in mind, where I'm pastoring today 26 years later.
Jesus on his way to the cross stopped at the garden of Gethsemane and prayed 3 times; "Father if it be thy will, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not my will but thy will be done." Yes he prayed the same prayer more than once.
God has placed within each of us a cry to ask more than once. Show me a cat that doesn't cry out more than once for their food. Show me a baby that doesn't cry out for their food more than once. God has placed within our hearts a God given desire to ask more than once.
Friend, many give up when they don't get what they want. Some choose their own plan and do their own thing. Some refuse to wait on God's season. Go ahead and ask again for the cry and passion in your heart. Many places in God's word show us how it's His plan for you and I to ask for his will more than once.
My wife and I raised 3 children in our home. I don't recall a time that they were ever hindered in their ability to ask for something more than once. When they wanted to stop at Mc Donald's, wanted something to drink, wanted the newest cabbage patch doll, wanted they latest Nintendo game, they had no problem in asking more than once. Now they didn't always get what they wanted when they wanted it.
In looking back on my walk with Christ, I'm very thankful that God didn't always give me what I wanted when I wanted it. The Lord teaches us that we are to pray, "thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." I have to pray for the will of God to be processed in my life. There have been times that I didn't like it when God closed doors. God says; "I have set an open door before you." Friend quit trying to knock the door in. If God wants it open, He has the ability to open the door that is His will and plan for your life.
I was invited to preach with the possibly to pastor a church in Miami Florida. They call it; 'Trying out." After a great day in the ministering and seeing several come forward for salvation, God didn't open the door for us to move there. I was a bit upset with God. God why? I had prayed for the will of God, but when God shut the door, I didn't like His decision. We are to always pray for the will of God in all of our decisions. Year later I saw why God closed the door. He had a perfect plan in mind, where I'm pastoring today 26 years later.
Jesus on his way to the cross stopped at the garden of Gethsemane and prayed 3 times; "Father if it be thy will, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not my will but thy will be done." Yes he prayed the same prayer more than once.
God has placed within each of us a cry to ask more than once. Show me a cat that doesn't cry out more than once for their food. Show me a baby that doesn't cry out for their food more than once. God has placed within our hearts a God given desire to ask more than once.
Friend, many give up when they don't get what they want. Some choose their own plan and do their own thing. Some refuse to wait on God's season. Go ahead and ask again for the cry and passion in your heart. Many places in God's word show us how it's His plan for you and I to ask for his will more than once.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Dead Branch Floating Down The River?
Ephraim boasted," Look, I'm rich! I've made it big! And look how well I've covered my tracks: Not a hint of fraud, not a sigh of sin" Not so fast! I'm God."I'm going to put you back in tents, as in the old days when you worshiped in the wilderness."
God was saying to Ephraim, your not going to get away with the path of sin that you have chosen.
God didn't create any of us to be a drug addict, a prostitute, a con-artist, a rapist, a murderer, a thief, one lost in the forest. God has a perfect plan for each of us. God is the only one who can show us the way out of the wilderness of confusion and deception.
Where are you heading, where will you end up, where is the end of the road for you? Ephraim has lost her way in her sins and stubbornness. She is determined that she can get by with her sinful ways and God will just wink at her sins.
Romans declare; "The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." It's a lie out of hell that you have to be a servant to porn, a life to lying and cheating and living in adultery. Jesus came to break us free from the chains that would bind and hold on to us.
It is a deceptive lie that the temptations of this world will bring you the reward that you are looking for. Satan plots and schemes and deceives people from the real fruit of life. God's plan is to bring us joy, peace, direction, contentment, fulfillment. Sin will only lead you to deadness and not life.
Sin will kill your purpose, your peace, and your path to everlasting life. Who wants to be a dead branch floating down the river? God calls us to be "a tree planted by the rivers of water than brings forth fruit in due season." He says; "our leaf will not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
If you were to take an assessment of your life today, is there any fruit on the branch? Are the limbs dying, or are there signs of life on the tree? You say what are the signs of life? Let me ask you.
Where is your focus? it will lead to your thinking, which leads to your emotions, which leads to your decisions,, which leads to actions, which leads to your habits, which leads to your character which leads to your destiny.
The decisions you are making today will determine if there will be any fruit on the tree in the future. God is for you today, God says; your valuable, your special, your my chosen one, you have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Today allow God to change you! He says; "old things will pass away and all things will become new."
Go ahead; call on God today and new life will start now. John 10:10 "The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy, but I have come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly."
God was saying to Ephraim, your not going to get away with the path of sin that you have chosen.
God didn't create any of us to be a drug addict, a prostitute, a con-artist, a rapist, a murderer, a thief, one lost in the forest. God has a perfect plan for each of us. God is the only one who can show us the way out of the wilderness of confusion and deception.
Where are you heading, where will you end up, where is the end of the road for you? Ephraim has lost her way in her sins and stubbornness. She is determined that she can get by with her sinful ways and God will just wink at her sins.
Romans declare; "The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." It's a lie out of hell that you have to be a servant to porn, a life to lying and cheating and living in adultery. Jesus came to break us free from the chains that would bind and hold on to us.
It is a deceptive lie that the temptations of this world will bring you the reward that you are looking for. Satan plots and schemes and deceives people from the real fruit of life. God's plan is to bring us joy, peace, direction, contentment, fulfillment. Sin will only lead you to deadness and not life.
Sin will kill your purpose, your peace, and your path to everlasting life. Who wants to be a dead branch floating down the river? God calls us to be "a tree planted by the rivers of water than brings forth fruit in due season." He says; "our leaf will not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
If you were to take an assessment of your life today, is there any fruit on the branch? Are the limbs dying, or are there signs of life on the tree? You say what are the signs of life? Let me ask you.
Where is your focus? it will lead to your thinking, which leads to your emotions, which leads to your decisions,, which leads to actions, which leads to your habits, which leads to your character which leads to your destiny.
The decisions you are making today will determine if there will be any fruit on the tree in the future. God is for you today, God says; your valuable, your special, your my chosen one, you have been called out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Today allow God to change you! He says; "old things will pass away and all things will become new."
Go ahead; call on God today and new life will start now. John 10:10 "The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy, but I have come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly."
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Considering A Daniel's Fast?
Daniel and others were chosen by king Nebuchadnezzar's to be apart of his leadership team. Something in Daniel said; "Were going to chose not to eat the king's meat, will eat nothing but veggies and fruit."
What could have gotten in Daniel to go on this particular diet? What was in his heart to think that this was a need and a dire necessity? He knew that God's hand was up to something unique and special in the coming days.
I believe that Daniel knew that they were up for challenges far beyond their own wisdom, and their own strengths, their own power. Daniel was right on target with his intuition and being spirit driven and spirit led.
The King would be asking them to do things far beyond man's natural wisdom. In Daniel's chapters ahead, you and I will read why it was critical for he and his friends to go on this fast.
In life, you and I are going to face challenges far beyond our natural abilities. I have learned that when the stress and pressure is on, a fast will give us the edge, the supernatural that goes beyond what we are able to do in the natural.
Have you come to a place in your marriage, your work, your business, and your ministry that you need the edge, far beyond your own natural abilities? Jesus taught his disciples to do three things. He said; "when you pray, when you give, and when you fast." Notice that he didn't say; "if you pray or if you give or if you fast, but rather when you fast."
Many of us have had times in our lives when we just didn't have the answer, we didn't know where to turn next, and we just didn't have the ump to keep going.
At the end of the 10 day test, the king's steward took note that the complexion of Daniel and his men were better than the other's. These guys were more robust than the ones eating from the royal menu.
God will do some things far beyond your own talents and abilities when you choose to take God at his word. God will lead and direct each of us when it's time to start a fast. It may the knowledge of a coming battle or today's struggle that will lead you into starting a new fast.
The word of God will prove that in every difficult dilemma you face, fasting will give you the edge and will catapult you over your own impossible situation?
What could have gotten in Daniel to go on this particular diet? What was in his heart to think that this was a need and a dire necessity? He knew that God's hand was up to something unique and special in the coming days.
I believe that Daniel knew that they were up for challenges far beyond their own wisdom, and their own strengths, their own power. Daniel was right on target with his intuition and being spirit driven and spirit led.
The King would be asking them to do things far beyond man's natural wisdom. In Daniel's chapters ahead, you and I will read why it was critical for he and his friends to go on this fast.
In life, you and I are going to face challenges far beyond our natural abilities. I have learned that when the stress and pressure is on, a fast will give us the edge, the supernatural that goes beyond what we are able to do in the natural.
Have you come to a place in your marriage, your work, your business, and your ministry that you need the edge, far beyond your own natural abilities? Jesus taught his disciples to do three things. He said; "when you pray, when you give, and when you fast." Notice that he didn't say; "if you pray or if you give or if you fast, but rather when you fast."
Many of us have had times in our lives when we just didn't have the answer, we didn't know where to turn next, and we just didn't have the ump to keep going.
At the end of the 10 day test, the king's steward took note that the complexion of Daniel and his men were better than the other's. These guys were more robust than the ones eating from the royal menu.
God will do some things far beyond your own talents and abilities when you choose to take God at his word. God will lead and direct each of us when it's time to start a fast. It may the knowledge of a coming battle or today's struggle that will lead you into starting a new fast.
The word of God will prove that in every difficult dilemma you face, fasting will give you the edge and will catapult you over your own impossible situation?
Friday, November 18, 2011
God's Hand Is On The Thermostat
Daniel 3:25 "But look!" he said. "I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods!"
Here is one of the most exciting stories in the entire bible. King Nebuchadnezzar builds a great golden image and has a dedication ceremony for it. He declares; when the band begins to play, everyone must bow and worship his god.
It is reported that there are 3 Jews that have not bowed down. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are brought before the king. The king gives them another chance to bow before he throws them into his furnace.
They respond; "O king, your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you cook up. But even if he doesn't it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."
The king face turns purple with anger, and he orders the furnace to be fired up seven times hotter than usual. Strong men from the army tie them up, hands and feet and throw them in to the roaring furnace.
Some unbeliever's may read this story and say this is nothing but a fairy tale. The truth of the matter, there is nothing to hard for Jehovah God. What I most admire about these 3 Jewish men is their faith in the fire. How many times have we complain because the fire is seemingly to hot?
I would like to remind each of us that yes, God says; "when we walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you." Too many times we whine and bellyache over how hot and hard life's trials are.
Lets me remind you that God says; "There hath no temptation taken you but such is common to man, but God is faithful who will suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape." 1Cor 10:13
Don't lose your confidence that God's hand is on the thermostat in your trial. He knows where your breaking point is. He knows how much stress, how much pressure, just how hot the fire can get. There has never been a time yet that God didn't see me through the fiery test, the fiery situation that I didn't come out better than when I went in.
Hell is the one that lies to you that "you're not going to make it through this one." Three men went into a kings fire, but a forth man showed up. Jesus came to their rescue and shielded them from being consumed by the enemies fire.
It's interesting that not one hair was singed, not a scorch mark on their flesh, not even the smell of fire on them.
Most of us in life have walked through some fiery places in our marriage, our job, in raising our kids, but don't forget God has got his hand on your life, in your test, in your difficulty. He is not slack on the job in your nightmare of life. If God delivered them, he can deliver you and I.
Somebody came out better and stronger in the end, and a wicked king saw there was a God that was greater and stronger than his. Could that be what's behind our test, our trial, and our fiery ordeal? Press on friend; He stands with his hand on the thermostat saying; " I'm here."
Here is one of the most exciting stories in the entire bible. King Nebuchadnezzar builds a great golden image and has a dedication ceremony for it. He declares; when the band begins to play, everyone must bow and worship his god.
It is reported that there are 3 Jews that have not bowed down. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are brought before the king. The king gives them another chance to bow before he throws them into his furnace.
They respond; "O king, your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you cook up. But even if he doesn't it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."
The king face turns purple with anger, and he orders the furnace to be fired up seven times hotter than usual. Strong men from the army tie them up, hands and feet and throw them in to the roaring furnace.
Some unbeliever's may read this story and say this is nothing but a fairy tale. The truth of the matter, there is nothing to hard for Jehovah God. What I most admire about these 3 Jewish men is their faith in the fire. How many times have we complain because the fire is seemingly to hot?
I would like to remind each of us that yes, God says; "when we walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you." Too many times we whine and bellyache over how hot and hard life's trials are.
Lets me remind you that God says; "There hath no temptation taken you but such is common to man, but God is faithful who will suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape." 1Cor 10:13
Don't lose your confidence that God's hand is on the thermostat in your trial. He knows where your breaking point is. He knows how much stress, how much pressure, just how hot the fire can get. There has never been a time yet that God didn't see me through the fiery test, the fiery situation that I didn't come out better than when I went in.
Hell is the one that lies to you that "you're not going to make it through this one." Three men went into a kings fire, but a forth man showed up. Jesus came to their rescue and shielded them from being consumed by the enemies fire.
It's interesting that not one hair was singed, not a scorch mark on their flesh, not even the smell of fire on them.
Most of us in life have walked through some fiery places in our marriage, our job, in raising our kids, but don't forget God has got his hand on your life, in your test, in your difficulty. He is not slack on the job in your nightmare of life. If God delivered them, he can deliver you and I.
Somebody came out better and stronger in the end, and a wicked king saw there was a God that was greater and stronger than his. Could that be what's behind our test, our trial, and our fiery ordeal? Press on friend; He stands with his hand on the thermostat saying; " I'm here."
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Lead With Your Life
1 Tim 4:16 Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.
One of the most difficult things for any leader is to live a life without any errors or mistakes. Paul is writing to Timothy and states to him, in order to make a real impact on those your teaching, we must live what we preach.
Paul himself states his own struggles in Romans 7:15 NIV "I really don't understand myself, I want to do what is right, but I don't do it, Instead I do what I hate." There will always be within each of us a war within our flesh. There is only one man who has a perfect record and that is the Jesus Christ.
Like you, I am very thankful for God's abundant grace and mercy. The mercies of the Lord are new each and every morning. Many have never stepped up to lead because they have allowed Hell to beat them up with their past. WAKE UP, there is life beyond your blunders and mistakes.
There is a true story of a football player that picked up a fumble and ran the ball in the wrong direction. He came within a couple of yards of scoring for the other team, but one of his buddies ran him down and tackled him prior to his actions.
He was so ashamed of what he had done in front of thousands of fans, at half-time he heard the coach say, "The team who started the first half will also start the second half." The player said "coach there is no way I can go back out there and play" The coach said "get up, your going to play the greatest second half you have ever played." You know what, he did.
God is the one that picks each of us up with our blunders and errors. Now that we have settled that there are no perfect people. We must also realize that in order to lead, we must strive to walk right, to live right, to talk right, to act right, to lead right. We must learn from our taking the ball in the wrong direction.
The only way to be an effective Mom or Dad is to lead with our example. It would be very hard to convince your son to get up and go to church and worship the Lord on Sundays, if you yourself are spending your time on the river fishing each Sunday, or working in the yard while you put them on a bus to go to worship.
Paul is telling Timothy to lead by example. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
God sets the bar high for each of us to live to the best of our ability. I truly believe that God puts within each of His children an incredible desire to be like Christ.
If we are to be effective in our leading, we must live the life. We must lead and teach with transparency. Often I have shared with our people my own blunders and mistakes. I don't believe that people can relate to someone who has never has their own struggles.
Come on get real, take the mask off. Look at the word of God and you will see that within every leader in the word of God, blunder after blunder. Thank God perfection was not a prerequisite for credentials to be used by God.
Let's step it up in leading by example. To be effective we must grow from our blunders and our fleshly ways, and press on to the mark and the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
One of the most difficult things for any leader is to live a life without any errors or mistakes. Paul is writing to Timothy and states to him, in order to make a real impact on those your teaching, we must live what we preach.
Paul himself states his own struggles in Romans 7:15 NIV "I really don't understand myself, I want to do what is right, but I don't do it, Instead I do what I hate." There will always be within each of us a war within our flesh. There is only one man who has a perfect record and that is the Jesus Christ.
Like you, I am very thankful for God's abundant grace and mercy. The mercies of the Lord are new each and every morning. Many have never stepped up to lead because they have allowed Hell to beat them up with their past. WAKE UP, there is life beyond your blunders and mistakes.
There is a true story of a football player that picked up a fumble and ran the ball in the wrong direction. He came within a couple of yards of scoring for the other team, but one of his buddies ran him down and tackled him prior to his actions.
He was so ashamed of what he had done in front of thousands of fans, at half-time he heard the coach say, "The team who started the first half will also start the second half." The player said "coach there is no way I can go back out there and play" The coach said "get up, your going to play the greatest second half you have ever played." You know what, he did.
God is the one that picks each of us up with our blunders and errors. Now that we have settled that there are no perfect people. We must also realize that in order to lead, we must strive to walk right, to live right, to talk right, to act right, to lead right. We must learn from our taking the ball in the wrong direction.
The only way to be an effective Mom or Dad is to lead with our example. It would be very hard to convince your son to get up and go to church and worship the Lord on Sundays, if you yourself are spending your time on the river fishing each Sunday, or working in the yard while you put them on a bus to go to worship.
Paul is telling Timothy to lead by example. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
God sets the bar high for each of us to live to the best of our ability. I truly believe that God puts within each of His children an incredible desire to be like Christ.
If we are to be effective in our leading, we must live the life. We must lead and teach with transparency. Often I have shared with our people my own blunders and mistakes. I don't believe that people can relate to someone who has never has their own struggles.
Come on get real, take the mask off. Look at the word of God and you will see that within every leader in the word of God, blunder after blunder. Thank God perfection was not a prerequisite for credentials to be used by God.
Let's step it up in leading by example. To be effective we must grow from our blunders and our fleshly ways, and press on to the mark and the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Friday, November 11, 2011
What Are You Pouring Out On Jesus?
John 12:1-8
Mary came in the house with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.
What are you bringing in the house? As a pastor, I love to see people bring in the house of worship their praise and adoration to the Lord. I love to see people who are hungry to hear the living word of God, then charged up to share their faith to a lost and hurting world.
I love to see broken hearts healed and delivered and set free. I love to see warriors come in with their faith, ready to fight off the devil's discouragement. Many have been in the fire through the week, but have chosen to serve the devil notice, " I will not quit, I will not relent, I know in whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him."
I love to see those who come in with an attitude that "if God be for me, who can be against me." I love to see those come in that are ready to serve the master. Many come in ready to pour the oil out and are ready to serve by caring for the kids, encouraging the middle school youth, some are at the doors with a smile greeting whosoever might walk in, some ready to lift up their voice with beautiful melody's to heaven's courts.
But then there are some that wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They have awakened with something else driving their mind. Just a few wake up upset, agitated, aggravated, nervous, and frustrated. They won't even speak nice to their dog. What's got you so upset, that hell has got your dandruff up?
Keep in mind that Mary came in the house with expensive oil. She was ready to bring Jesus something of value, something that would bless him, something that would make a difference for his mission on the cross. The word says she brought something that would be remembered for all of eternity.
Now we all know it's very easy to come through the doors of you're church with some other things. Some choose to go to the churches with their complaints, "preacher I don't like this and I don't like that. David said I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise, I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
Mary's heart was on the Lord. It would have been easy for her heart to be on other things, but she chose to be saturated with a love for the master. I wonder what would happen if we all got dipped, flooded beyond our ankles in love with God. Now I'm not saying you can't ever speak your concerns to the leadership, but come on, is it going to make a difference where people spend eternity? Is your gripe going to hinder or who promote the building up of the kingdom of God?
I just happen to believe that when you get baptized in his love, you will come to the house with something that brings the master glory and honor. What Mary brought to Jesus was honor into the mission and mandate from the heavenly father.
There are more important things to dwell on than our opinions and our likes and dislikes. When Mary got through anointing Jesus, there was a fragrance that filled the house. When we leave the house, what have we poured on Jesus? What fragrance have we left because of our love for the master?
Mary came in the house with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.
What are you bringing in the house? As a pastor, I love to see people bring in the house of worship their praise and adoration to the Lord. I love to see people who are hungry to hear the living word of God, then charged up to share their faith to a lost and hurting world.
I love to see broken hearts healed and delivered and set free. I love to see warriors come in with their faith, ready to fight off the devil's discouragement. Many have been in the fire through the week, but have chosen to serve the devil notice, " I will not quit, I will not relent, I know in whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him."
I love to see those who come in with an attitude that "if God be for me, who can be against me." I love to see those come in that are ready to serve the master. Many come in ready to pour the oil out and are ready to serve by caring for the kids, encouraging the middle school youth, some are at the doors with a smile greeting whosoever might walk in, some ready to lift up their voice with beautiful melody's to heaven's courts.
But then there are some that wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They have awakened with something else driving their mind. Just a few wake up upset, agitated, aggravated, nervous, and frustrated. They won't even speak nice to their dog. What's got you so upset, that hell has got your dandruff up?
Keep in mind that Mary came in the house with expensive oil. She was ready to bring Jesus something of value, something that would bless him, something that would make a difference for his mission on the cross. The word says she brought something that would be remembered for all of eternity.
Now we all know it's very easy to come through the doors of you're church with some other things. Some choose to go to the churches with their complaints, "preacher I don't like this and I don't like that. David said I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his courts with praise, I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
Mary's heart was on the Lord. It would have been easy for her heart to be on other things, but she chose to be saturated with a love for the master. I wonder what would happen if we all got dipped, flooded beyond our ankles in love with God. Now I'm not saying you can't ever speak your concerns to the leadership, but come on, is it going to make a difference where people spend eternity? Is your gripe going to hinder or who promote the building up of the kingdom of God?
I just happen to believe that when you get baptized in his love, you will come to the house with something that brings the master glory and honor. What Mary brought to Jesus was honor into the mission and mandate from the heavenly father.
There are more important things to dwell on than our opinions and our likes and dislikes. When Mary got through anointing Jesus, there was a fragrance that filled the house. When we leave the house, what have we poured on Jesus? What fragrance have we left because of our love for the master?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Who Are You Leaning On?
Ezekiel 29: 16 Never again will Israel be tempted to rely on Egypt. All she'll be to Israel is a reminder of old sin.
When I left home at the age of 19, I was newly married, new in college, new to central Florida, new to being the provider of my home. I was now in a position where I had to totally depend on God.
When the responsibility of paying the rent, the electric bill, putting food on the table, keeping fuel in the car kept coming week after week. I quickly had to learn that dad's provision was no longer there for my pleasure. Now I had to completely depend on the God that I had served from my early years.
God was saying to Israel, "never again will you be tempted to rely on Egypt. All she'll be to you is a reminder of old sin."
God was about to take her to the bottom of the ladder, and there she will stay and never climb to be a world leader again.
When Israel's king Solomon began to drift away from his God, he had allowed his heart to chase after women from Egypt. I had always thought that he just had a bent for women. The man ended up having 700 wives and 300 concubines. What was up with his drive and lure to women?
If you further study this man, you will see that he became very fearful in these days of a backslidden condition. What was going on? The word says that he hired 60 bodyguards to surround his bed in the night.
Why was this man sweating bullets in the night? You see in his backslidden state, he had lost his trust for God and was having to depend on another source for his peace of mind.
It wasn't his love for women that brought about his peaceful state of mind, but it was his alliance with Egypt that brought him peace. See they were the strong presence of power in the world. He figured as long as I have their women, I'm protected from their strong hand, and Egypt will be my friend and not my enemy.
God despises it when we turn to other means to be our strength and our protection. " The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and they are safe" Proverbs 18:10
God doesn't like it when we look for other means to be our peace in the night. Solomon with all of his bodyguards still left him fearful and miserable. There is only one person that can bring us perfect peace. His name is Jehovah Shalom. "Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee" Isaiah 26:3
Who are you leaning on? Who is your peace in your worst nightmare? Who do you look to when you don't know how your going to meet budget, when you don't know how your going to put food on the table. It was during my early years of life, that God taught me not to look to a man to be my provider. Paul says; "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory." Philippians 4:19
Don't be surprised when God places you in a position where you have to look to Him. Smile, 'If God be for you, who can be against you? Romans 8:31
Stand up with confidence, " Be confident of this very thing, he which hath begun a good work in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."Philippians 1:6
Quit loosing your rest in the night. "For it is vain for you to rise up early and to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrows, for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
There is no greater life than leaning on the God who loves you and has hand picked you for his purpose.
When I left home at the age of 19, I was newly married, new in college, new to central Florida, new to being the provider of my home. I was now in a position where I had to totally depend on God.
When the responsibility of paying the rent, the electric bill, putting food on the table, keeping fuel in the car kept coming week after week. I quickly had to learn that dad's provision was no longer there for my pleasure. Now I had to completely depend on the God that I had served from my early years.
God was saying to Israel, "never again will you be tempted to rely on Egypt. All she'll be to you is a reminder of old sin."
God was about to take her to the bottom of the ladder, and there she will stay and never climb to be a world leader again.
When Israel's king Solomon began to drift away from his God, he had allowed his heart to chase after women from Egypt. I had always thought that he just had a bent for women. The man ended up having 700 wives and 300 concubines. What was up with his drive and lure to women?
If you further study this man, you will see that he became very fearful in these days of a backslidden condition. What was going on? The word says that he hired 60 bodyguards to surround his bed in the night.
Why was this man sweating bullets in the night? You see in his backslidden state, he had lost his trust for God and was having to depend on another source for his peace of mind.
It wasn't his love for women that brought about his peaceful state of mind, but it was his alliance with Egypt that brought him peace. See they were the strong presence of power in the world. He figured as long as I have their women, I'm protected from their strong hand, and Egypt will be my friend and not my enemy.
God despises it when we turn to other means to be our strength and our protection. " The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and they are safe" Proverbs 18:10
God doesn't like it when we look for other means to be our peace in the night. Solomon with all of his bodyguards still left him fearful and miserable. There is only one person that can bring us perfect peace. His name is Jehovah Shalom. "Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee" Isaiah 26:3
Who are you leaning on? Who is your peace in your worst nightmare? Who do you look to when you don't know how your going to meet budget, when you don't know how your going to put food on the table. It was during my early years of life, that God taught me not to look to a man to be my provider. Paul says; "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory." Philippians 4:19
Don't be surprised when God places you in a position where you have to look to Him. Smile, 'If God be for you, who can be against you? Romans 8:31
Stand up with confidence, " Be confident of this very thing, he which hath begun a good work in you shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."Philippians 1:6
Quit loosing your rest in the night. "For it is vain for you to rise up early and to sit up late to eat the bread of sorrows, for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
There is no greater life than leaning on the God who loves you and has hand picked you for his purpose.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The Secret Place
Psalms 91:1
There's no fun about living in a home without power. Recently the northeast of America has been hit with a early October snow storm. It has put a million plus people without any power. In freezing weather, people have to find other methods to stay warm.
What do people do who lack power with God? There is nothing worst than a person living without God's power and presence permeating in their everyday life. People wonder why they are living empty, miserable, and void in the depths of their joy tank. Psalms 91 says; there is a secret place with God that will cause everything in your life to turn around.
I have learned without spending time alone in his presence, or in that secret place alone with God, that I will suffer the consequences of no power in my life.
Without waiting in His presence, you will experience a lack of confidence with God in your journey, the battles; the struggles of life will overwhelm you.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
|
There's no fun about living in a home without power. Recently the northeast of America has been hit with a early October snow storm. It has put a million plus people without any power. In freezing weather, people have to find other methods to stay warm.
What do people do who lack power with God? There is nothing worst than a person living without God's power and presence permeating in their everyday life. People wonder why they are living empty, miserable, and void in the depths of their joy tank. Psalms 91 says; there is a secret place with God that will cause everything in your life to turn around.
I have learned without spending time alone in his presence, or in that secret place alone with God, that I will suffer the consequences of no power in my life.
Without waiting in His presence, you will experience a lack of confidence with God in your journey, the battles; the struggles of life will overwhelm you.
If you fail to spend time in the secret place; you will lack sleep through the night. God says; He gives his beloved rest. You'll lack purpose for your destiny. Do you really want to go through life and miss the mark He has chosen for you?
- Without the secret place you will lack patience to wait for the promises of God. Do you really want to miss your Isaac and settle for an Ishmael? Isaiah 40:30 declares;"even the youth shall faint and be weary and shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount upon wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
See I can't help but faint in my vision without waiting in the secret place with God. I'm not superman. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation, the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak."
I don't care if you are a preacher, a board member, you might sing in the choir, you had better find the secret place so you don't faint in the call of God on your life.
You will lack peace in your storms, you will lack passion to do the will of God, without the secret place you will lack power to persevere in the hard times.
Jesus never had any lack of power because He realize the impact of the secret place with His father. The Holy Spirit came upon him like a dove at his baptism, but He kept the power on His life by daily finding the secret place. It was in the secret place that kept the oil, the anointing, the power flowing through his life.
Friend there is a secret place where you shut yourself in with God. Only then can you declare like David; I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wing shall thou trust.
You can listen to somebody talk for 2 minutes and tell if they have been in the secret place with God.
What is coming out of your mouth? What you feed on grows, and what you starve dies. When you spend time in his presence, he will deposit into you a new language, a new attitude, a new prospective, a new confidence, a new rest in your spirit, a fresh peace to get though the storms, a new power to energize you to heights that you have never walked in before.
Go on today and shut yourself in the secret place with God, and life will never be the same, a new touch of God will refresh you , and yes your smile, your demeanor , the spring in your step will take you where you need to go in life.
| Oceanwayag.com |
More? Dead things to Life
Have you ever seen something in a man or woman of God that you said, "surely there must be more than what I have?"
What was it that Elisha saw in Elijah that made him say I want more than what you have? Elisha saw a man that knew how to get through a famine. He saw a man help a needy widow get through her own famine. The next incredible thing Elisha took note of was, what to do when a widow's son dies.
In this life I see many people who are dealing with the death of their marriage, their job, their finances, their dreams, their hope in life. The widow son had died and now she is pleading out to the prophet for help.
This great man of God takes the son and stretches out himself 3 times over the son and prays with all his might that the boy might live. God listen to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body-he was now alive!
What has died in your world that has caused you great grief? Is God any different today than he was in Elijah's day? Can God raise the dead again in our day?
I have seen God take a marriage that was dead, no life in the least in the union. I have watched him resurrect and place a new love in that marriage. I have watched God take a person's dream that was in the rubble and bring new hope and life again into their heart.
God says; "greater works shall ye do because I go to my father." I recently read a miracle from a Reinhard Bonnke crusade. Here is the interview between Robertson and Bonnke.
Can God really do that in our day? I have seen it first hand in one of our own church services at Oceanway Assembly of God. One Sunday morning, one of our members fell dead right in the middle of my message, the whole church prayed for God to bring her back to life. She was gone; no breath came out of her for approximately 15 plus minutes. Before our very eyes, she was raised back to life.
Do we want more than what we have today? I do, and may God give stir up the gifts again in the church to see greater works than any of us have ever seen before. Ask yourself; is anything to hard for God? If God did it then, He can do it again. Today is your day to believe for dead things to come to life.
What was it that Elisha saw in Elijah that made him say I want more than what you have? Elisha saw a man that knew how to get through a famine. He saw a man help a needy widow get through her own famine. The next incredible thing Elisha took note of was, what to do when a widow's son dies.
In this life I see many people who are dealing with the death of their marriage, their job, their finances, their dreams, their hope in life. The widow son had died and now she is pleading out to the prophet for help.
This great man of God takes the son and stretches out himself 3 times over the son and prays with all his might that the boy might live. God listen to Elijah's prayer and put breath back into his body-he was now alive!
What has died in your world that has caused you great grief? Is God any different today than he was in Elijah's day? Can God raise the dead again in our day?
I have seen God take a marriage that was dead, no life in the least in the union. I have watched him resurrect and place a new love in that marriage. I have watched God take a person's dream that was in the rubble and bring new hope and life again into their heart.
God says; "greater works shall ye do because I go to my father." I recently read a miracle from a Reinhard Bonnke crusade. Here is the interview between Robertson and Bonnke.
ROBERTSON: I want you to tell us about a man that was in one of your meetings. He was hit by a car. I understand he was stiff and rigormortis had set in. I don't know if they had embalmed him or not.
BONNKE: They did.
ROBERTSON: He had been embalmed?
BONNKE: He was embalmed, but not the way it is done in America with the removal of organs. They injected chemicals into the body to slow down decay, since there was no refrigeration.
ROBERTSON: So what happened?
BONNKE: His wife was one with a promise from God that woman have received back the dead by resurrection. She said, 'My husband will come back, and I have heard Reinhard Bonnke is in Onitsha this Sunday I will bring him there. She brought him there. I was preaching and I knew nothing about it. Suddenly, the man started to breathe. His story is awesome and what he was shown while he was in eternity.
ROBERTSON: Tell me, what did he see?
BONNKE: An angel took him to show him Paradise. He showed him the mansions that are waiting for the saints. And he showed him hell. He saw the people in hell. He said one shouted to him, 'I was a pastor and I stole money. Help me to return the money.' He said it was so frightening to him that the angel turned to him and said, 'The prayer of the rich man in Luke 16 will now be fulfilled, and you will be sent back to earth as a last warning to this generation.'
Can God really do that in our day? I have seen it first hand in one of our own church services at Oceanway Assembly of God. One Sunday morning, one of our members fell dead right in the middle of my message, the whole church prayed for God to bring her back to life. She was gone; no breath came out of her for approximately 15 plus minutes. Before our very eyes, she was raised back to life.
Do we want more than what we have today? I do, and may God give stir up the gifts again in the church to see greater works than any of us have ever seen before. Ask yourself; is anything to hard for God? If God did it then, He can do it again. Today is your day to believe for dead things to come to life.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Is there More (3)
1 Kings 17: 7 Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought.8 Then God spoke to him:9 "Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I've instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you."
When the brook of Cherith dried up, God directs Elijah to a widow woman's house that was on her last meal for herself and her son. The prophet Elijah says; "bake for me a cake first." She had to be flabbergasted thinking why? See God always requires that we put him first.
Sunday is the first day of the week, put him first in your worship, God says bring the tithe into the storehouse. He wants to remind us each week that He is to be first.
When she obeyed the word of the Lord, and gave the first part as was directed. Back in the kitchen was more oil and more flower and more meal to continue for on and on through the famine. If you're going to make it through this famine in our land, you best put the Lord first.
God's word declares touch not the tithe, for it is holy. The word holy means to set apart. Have you set apart your tithe which belongs to God? Leviticus 27:30 "A tenth of the land's produce, whether grain from the ground or fruit from the trees, is God's. It is holy to God. If a man buys back any of the tenth he has given, he must add twenty percent to it." Ouch, God adds a late fee on my tithe when I use it for something else.
I would be frightened to touch the holy part that belongs to God. Do you want the heavens to open up and the favor of God to come your way? If you want the business to thrive and stay alive, don't touch the part that belongs to God. The first part is the ten percent that comes out first to God. If you give your seed to mortgage company, the grocery store, the taxes, the roof repairs, you will never get ahead and win in the famine.
In my early days of marriage, things were very tight. One week I used my tithe to help out with our expenses. That week someone stole all of our brand new towels out of the apartment laundry mat. Ouch, that hurt. The next week things got tighter. Again I used our tithe to help with our weekly expenses. That particular week the water pump went out in the car. God was saying to me; " are you going to put me first or not?" God was trying to teach me, bring me the cake first, then there will be enough for you and your wife to eat and to live.
What was it that Elisha saw that He wanted in his mentor Elijah? A man that could help others get through their own drought. Are you a leader in helping others to get through their own drought? The widow woman obeyed the word of the Lord, and the meal and the oil did not run out. He will do the same for you.
What was it that Elisha saw that He wanted in his mentor Elijah? A man that could help others get through their own drought. Are you a leader in helping others to get through their own drought? The widow woman obeyed the word of the Lord, and the meal and the oil did not run out. He will do the same for you.
I thank God that he taught me those valuable lessons in my early days, so I could help others get through their own droughts today. Start today with what's in your own hand, so you can help someone else through his or her own struggle. Like Elisha, He said give me a double portion of what Elijah had. God make us all examples for others.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Is There More (2)
2 Kings 2:9
A few days ago my niece was standing in line at 6 AM with her parents for the latest apple iphone. I might add 200,000 others sought out the newest technology on the market. If Steve Jobs can create something that wows the heart of a man, just what could the architect of the world create for you and I?
Something was stirring in the heart of a young prophet Elisha. What was it that he had seen in his mentor Elijah? There are a few things that I believe that he saw. First of all he saw a man that knew how to get through a drought
Elijah had gone down to the brook of Cherith where the Lord had directed him. "For there the Lord has commanded the ravens to feed you." I'm thankful that there is still a God that can get us through a drought.
Years ago while in college, my wife and I knew the struggles of getting through the tough places. Who could afford a nice meal in your college days? Believe me she learned how to stretch the dollars. We ate spaghetti on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday, well you get the picture. One day in her prayer time she calls out to God, "okay God we want this and on and on she prayed. A few weeks later we were invited over to Sister Whaley's home for a great meal.
After lunch this great woman of God says follow me into the garage. She opens her deep freezer and pops her brown paper bag and begins to load up pork chops and corn and okra and steaks and she says; "your not getting any chicken because God didn't tell me to give you chicken." What she didn't know was my wife had said in her prayers; "God I want steaks and pork-chops and fresh vegetables and I don't want any chicken."
Don't tell me that God can't get you through your own drought. May I add, He will also give you the desires of your heart. We are living in tough times. And God is no respecter of persons. If God can get Elijah through a famine, surely he can get you and I through a economic storm in our time.
Could it be like Elisha, that God well create a wave in your heart for more? There are times that God waits for his kids to come and to ask for his leading and his provision during the tough places of life. Have you prayed; "God show me personally your miraculous handiwork?"
If a genius like Steve Jobs can create something that wows our hearts and our hands, what can God create for us that will transform our hearts and lives forever?
Is there more? Elisha believed there was. What do you believe?
A few days ago my niece was standing in line at 6 AM with her parents for the latest apple iphone. I might add 200,000 others sought out the newest technology on the market. If Steve Jobs can create something that wows the heart of a man, just what could the architect of the world create for you and I?
Something was stirring in the heart of a young prophet Elisha. What was it that he had seen in his mentor Elijah? There are a few things that I believe that he saw. First of all he saw a man that knew how to get through a drought
Elijah had gone down to the brook of Cherith where the Lord had directed him. "For there the Lord has commanded the ravens to feed you." I'm thankful that there is still a God that can get us through a drought.
Years ago while in college, my wife and I knew the struggles of getting through the tough places. Who could afford a nice meal in your college days? Believe me she learned how to stretch the dollars. We ate spaghetti on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday, well you get the picture. One day in her prayer time she calls out to God, "okay God we want this and on and on she prayed. A few weeks later we were invited over to Sister Whaley's home for a great meal.
After lunch this great woman of God says follow me into the garage. She opens her deep freezer and pops her brown paper bag and begins to load up pork chops and corn and okra and steaks and she says; "your not getting any chicken because God didn't tell me to give you chicken." What she didn't know was my wife had said in her prayers; "God I want steaks and pork-chops and fresh vegetables and I don't want any chicken."
Don't tell me that God can't get you through your own drought. May I add, He will also give you the desires of your heart. We are living in tough times. And God is no respecter of persons. If God can get Elijah through a famine, surely he can get you and I through a economic storm in our time.
Could it be like Elisha, that God well create a wave in your heart for more? There are times that God waits for his kids to come and to ask for his leading and his provision during the tough places of life. Have you prayed; "God show me personally your miraculous handiwork?"
If a genius like Steve Jobs can create something that wows our hearts and our hands, what can God create for us that will transform our hearts and lives forever?
Is there more? Elisha believed there was. What do you believe?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Is There More? part one
2 Kings 2:9 Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.
What was it that caused Elisha to say to Elijah; I want twice what you have?
Can you imagine Steve Jobs being content with a Blackberry, or a Motorola smart phone in his hand? It wouldn't seem right for him to settle for something less when he knows there is more to explore with his genius abilities.
Many of Gods saints have settled for less than God's best for their life. Something was stirring up in Elisha because he had seen something from his mentor Elijah that said; there must be more.
I heard about a man years- ago who got on a boat to go from London to New York. It was a seven-day journey years ago. All week he had eaten cheese and crackers because he couldn't afford to eat the great feast that they brought out for dinner each night. The last night of the voyage, he ask the captain what it would cost to sit and eat one of the fine meals provided by the ship?
The captain began to laugh, "sir what have you been eating all week?" He explained I couldn't afford the meals so I have been eating my cheese and crackers I brought along. "Sir when you purchased your ticket, the delightful food was provided." Can you imagine what the man had been missing all week long?
There are so many people in life that have settled for less than God's best for their life. When Christ went to the cross he purchased everything that we would have need of. It started with this great salvation that would cover us from all of our iniquities. That's only the beginning of what Christ paid for you and me to experience this great divine in life.
Elisha was one of those that said; "I want a double portion on my life." What have you said in your heart? Have you settled to eat on the cheese and crackers of life, and live with intimidation and fear of going forward into a divine future?
Elisha soon found out that because his passion explored into God's divine connection, there was more.
Listen, If a man can explore in the natural and build an iphone, ipad, ipod, itouch, what has God preserved at his table for those that will come hungry and passionate for his will and plan for their lives?
Will discover in our next thoughts, really, what was it that caused Elisha to say; "I want more." What have you settled for?
Oceanwayag.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)