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?
Monday, October 24, 2011
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
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Lured Away?
2 Timothy 4:10
In my office, there hangs a 10 1/2 pound black bass mounted on the wall. A juicy plastic purple worm lured him in. I had to throw it a few times in the same whole before he took the bait.
What has Satan lured in front of you? He is always throwing out different lures to get us off the mark. In the word of God, you'll find several who chose to take the bait.
What lure was it that got Demas off course? What was it that he chose not to stay with Paul? The word states; "that he loved this present world." How many times have you watched someone go back into the world?
How many times in the word of God have we observed those who veered off track?
Gehazi, one of Elisha's servants was lured away. Naaman had been healed of leprosy. He finally obeyed the prophet to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan.
Naaman had offered the prophet money for his gratitude. Elisha said; "this it not the time to receive any money." Then we read where Gehazi slips off and chases Naaman down and says; "the prophet has changed his mind, he'll take your silver after all. We know that was a lie, it was Gehazi's greed that caused him to chase down the money.
He gladly gives him silver. Later Elisha ask; where have you been Gehazi? After he lies, Elisha says the leprosy that Naaman had will come upon you and your seed forever.
Judas couldn't keep his heart and hands away from the reward to turn in Jesus. The elders and the high priest had offered a prize of silver to the one who would reveal where Jesus was.
Judas chose to go after the silver. He was promised that he would receive 30 pieces of silver for the deal. Judas was so miserable after his betraying his Lord that he went out afterwards and hung himself.
Satan will never show you what's on the other side of your temptation. Judas later realized the horrible mistake that he had made. Jesus would have forgiven him like he did other's, but Judas couldn't forgive himself.
What has Satan lured in front of you? It may not be a juicy purple worm, no that would do nothing to most of us, but mark my words, He is going to throw something your way to get your eyes off of your call, your purpose, your destiny for your life.
Can we escape the lures of this world? Paul says: "There hath not temptation taken you but such is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer us to be tempted above that which ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way for you to escape."1 Cor 10:12
There is a way of escape today, and yes you are on track at this very moment by your waiting in God's presence and in His word. Keep it up, it will protect you and cover you with the armor of God to be able to stand against the wiles or the lures of the devil.
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What has Satan lured in front of you? He is always throwing out different lures to get us off the mark. In the word of God, you'll find several who chose to take the bait.
What lure was it that got Demas off course? What was it that he chose not to stay with Paul? The word states; "that he loved this present world." How many times have you watched someone go back into the world?
How many times in the word of God have we observed those who veered off track?
Gehazi, one of Elisha's servants was lured away. Naaman had been healed of leprosy. He finally obeyed the prophet to dip seven times in the muddy Jordan.
Naaman had offered the prophet money for his gratitude. Elisha said; "this it not the time to receive any money." Then we read where Gehazi slips off and chases Naaman down and says; "the prophet has changed his mind, he'll take your silver after all. We know that was a lie, it was Gehazi's greed that caused him to chase down the money.
He gladly gives him silver. Later Elisha ask; where have you been Gehazi? After he lies, Elisha says the leprosy that Naaman had will come upon you and your seed forever.
Judas couldn't keep his heart and hands away from the reward to turn in Jesus. The elders and the high priest had offered a prize of silver to the one who would reveal where Jesus was.
Judas chose to go after the silver. He was promised that he would receive 30 pieces of silver for the deal. Judas was so miserable after his betraying his Lord that he went out afterwards and hung himself.
Satan will never show you what's on the other side of your temptation. Judas later realized the horrible mistake that he had made. Jesus would have forgiven him like he did other's, but Judas couldn't forgive himself.
What has Satan lured in front of you? It may not be a juicy purple worm, no that would do nothing to most of us, but mark my words, He is going to throw something your way to get your eyes off of your call, your purpose, your destiny for your life.
Can we escape the lures of this world? Paul says: "There hath not temptation taken you but such is common to man, but God is faithful who will not suffer us to be tempted above that which ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way for you to escape."1 Cor 10:12
There is a way of escape today, and yes you are on track at this very moment by your waiting in God's presence and in His word. Keep it up, it will protect you and cover you with the armor of God to be able to stand against the wiles or the lures of the devil.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Lead with your Life
1 Timothy 4:1-16
One of the most difficult things for any leader is to live a life without any blunders 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 blunders 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
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Is It Over?
Isaiah 38:2 Hezekiah turned away from Isaiah and, facing the wall, prayed to God:3 "God, please, I beg you: Remember how I've lived my life. I've lived faithfully in your presence, lived out of a heart that was totally yours. You've seen how I've lived, the good that I have done." And Hezekiah wept as he prayed-painful tears.
Is it over, are you at the point that you have said to others, it's to late, there is nothing else that I can do about my situation. Remember today that God is Omnipotent, He is all power, He is Omnipresent, He is everywhere all the time, He is Omniscient, He is all knowing. The God of wonders has a heart so big and awesome for you and I, we can't even begin to comprehend His greatness.
He is moved with our sorrow, our pain, our troubles, our feelings, our difficulties, our lost. Hezekiah had his back against the wall more than once, and he was very much aware that there was nothing to hard for his God.
He watched the hand of God show up when 185,000 Assyrians threaten to wipe Jerusalem off the map, but God had other plans. One angle came in an wiped the who bunch out.
Now God tells him to prepare his house, he is going to die. This man still had some fight left in him. He hears the prophet tell him to set everything in order; you're going to die. Hezekiah cries out to God, I have lived out a heart that was totally yours. He wept as he prayed painful tears.
Before Isaiah gets out of the court, God says to him. Go back to Hezekiah and tell him that I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears. I will add 15 years to your life, and I will save both you and this city from the king of Assyria.
God is no respecter of persons. If he heard Hezekiah's prayer, God will hear you and I when we pray. How many things have we missed in going forward? How many times have we been too passive and not ask God what was in our hearts?
Jesus instructs us in Luke 11 when we pray to ask, to seek, to keep knocking. When a neighbor came to his friend late in the night for some bread, he knocked on the door and no one came. The man kept knocking, the word says he told him to go away; the kids and I are already in bed. Eventually the man got up out of bed and gave him bread, not because it was his friend. He got up and gave him his request because he kept knocking. All because of his importunity, all because of his persistence.
What do you need from the Lord? Have you given up, have you said that's it, it's over, there's no more hope for my marriage, there is no more hope for my health, there is no more hope for my kids. Jesus said, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Hezekiah wept before God, and yes God changed His mind. What has gotten you so discouraged that you have quit praying?
Who knows what the Lord will do, if the people of God will ask, and seek, and knock at the throne room of heaven. One man did and God added 15 years to his life. Run to the Lord today and see what He will do for you. He's waiting for you.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Is it over, are you at the point that you have said to others, it's to late, there is nothing else that I can do about my situation. Remember today that God is Omnipotent, He is all power, He is Omnipresent, He is everywhere all the time, He is Omniscient, He is all knowing. The God of wonders has a heart so big and awesome for you and I, we can't even begin to comprehend His greatness.
He is moved with our sorrow, our pain, our troubles, our feelings, our difficulties, our lost. Hezekiah had his back against the wall more than once, and he was very much aware that there was nothing to hard for his God.
He watched the hand of God show up when 185,000 Assyrians threaten to wipe Jerusalem off the map, but God had other plans. One angle came in an wiped the who bunch out.
Now God tells him to prepare his house, he is going to die. This man still had some fight left in him. He hears the prophet tell him to set everything in order; you're going to die. Hezekiah cries out to God, I have lived out a heart that was totally yours. He wept as he prayed painful tears.
Before Isaiah gets out of the court, God says to him. Go back to Hezekiah and tell him that I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears. I will add 15 years to your life, and I will save both you and this city from the king of Assyria.
God is no respecter of persons. If he heard Hezekiah's prayer, God will hear you and I when we pray. How many things have we missed in going forward? How many times have we been too passive and not ask God what was in our hearts?
Jesus instructs us in Luke 11 when we pray to ask, to seek, to keep knocking. When a neighbor came to his friend late in the night for some bread, he knocked on the door and no one came. The man kept knocking, the word says he told him to go away; the kids and I are already in bed. Eventually the man got up out of bed and gave him bread, not because it was his friend. He got up and gave him his request because he kept knocking. All because of his importunity, all because of his persistence.
What do you need from the Lord? Have you given up, have you said that's it, it's over, there's no more hope for my marriage, there is no more hope for my health, there is no more hope for my kids. Jesus said, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Hezekiah wept before God, and yes God changed His mind. What has gotten you so discouraged that you have quit praying?
Who knows what the Lord will do, if the people of God will ask, and seek, and knock at the throne room of heaven. One man did and God added 15 years to his life. Run to the Lord today and see what He will do for you. He's waiting for you.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Dealing with Deadly Words
Isaiah 37:1-38 v4It may be the Lord thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.
Oceanwayag.comDanny Baggett
Hezekiah is under great stress and pressure from the Assyria army. They have man handled the surrounding nations. They have brought them to destruction. King Sennacherib is planning on doing the same to Jerusalem
One of the kings official's Rabshekah speaks to Hezekiah's leaders and says "tell your king to look around at what the kings of Assyria have done all over the world-one country after another devastated, and do you think your going to get off? Do you see anything left?"
Hezekiah took this letter and spread the letter out before God. When was the last time that you took the deadly words that have pierced your heart, and spread it out before God? Friend there are deadly words out of hell that are out to steal your confidence and your courage, to hinder you from pressing and walking forward in Gods plan for your life.
Hezekiah servants said, do you think your God heard what the Rabshekah said, sent by his master the king ofAssyria to mock the living God?
Later the prophet Isaiah sends words to Hezekiah, "Don't be upset by what you've heard. God will personally take care of him."
Hezekiah prayed to God. You are God, the only God there is, God of all kingdoms on earth. Mark all these words of Sennacherib that he sent to mock the living God. Save us from him, let all the kingdoms of earth know that you alone are God.
God tells Hezekiah, "This year's crop will be slim pickings, and the next year won't be much better. But in the three years, farming will be back to normal, with regular sowing and reaping, planting and harvesting."
"As far asAssyria goes: Don't worry, he won't enter this city, won't let loose a single arrow. I've got my hand on this city to save it, save it for my very own sake."
God adds, "Sennacherib, He will die and be killed a violent death." Then the Angel of God arrived and struck the Assyrian camp-185,000 Assyrians died. By the time the sun came up, they were all dead -an army of corpses. Sennacherib ran home and years later was killed by his sons.
Why do we put so much stock, so much value, and so much credence in the words out of hell? How many nights have we lost sleep over words that have taken our peace, our joy, our confidence in the God who saved us?
Hezekiah took it to the Lord. God heard the threats, the pomp, the arrogance, the pride, the deadly words that caused God's leadership and children to be distraught.
God is no different today; He hears the deadly words that cause you grief and sleepless nights. God has a word for your every situation that threatens your well being and you going forward. He did for Hezekiah, and He will for you.
One of the kings official's Rabshekah speaks to Hezekiah's leaders and says "tell your king to look around at what the kings of Assyria have done all over the world-one country after another devastated, and do you think your going to get off? Do you see anything left?"
Hezekiah took this letter and spread the letter out before God. When was the last time that you took the deadly words that have pierced your heart, and spread it out before God? Friend there are deadly words out of hell that are out to steal your confidence and your courage, to hinder you from pressing and walking forward in Gods plan for your life.
Hezekiah servants said, do you think your God heard what the Rabshekah said, sent by his master the king of
Later the prophet Isaiah sends words to Hezekiah, "Don't be upset by what you've heard. God will personally take care of him."
Hezekiah prayed to God. You are God, the only God there is, God of all kingdoms on earth. Mark all these words of Sennacherib that he sent to mock the living God. Save us from him, let all the kingdoms of earth know that you alone are God.
God tells Hezekiah, "This year's crop will be slim pickings, and the next year won't be much better. But in the three years, farming will be back to normal, with regular sowing and reaping, planting and harvesting."
"As far as
God adds, "Sennacherib, He will die and be killed a violent death." Then the Angel of God arrived and struck the Assyrian camp-185,000 Assyrians died. By the time the sun came up, they were all dead -an army of corpses. Sennacherib ran home and years later was killed by his sons.
Why do we put so much stock, so much value, and so much credence in the words out of hell? How many nights have we lost sleep over words that have taken our peace, our joy, our confidence in the God who saved us?
Hezekiah took it to the Lord. God heard the threats, the pomp, the arrogance, the pride, the deadly words that caused God's leadership and children to be distraught.
God is no different today; He hears the deadly words that cause you grief and sleepless nights. God has a word for your every situation that threatens your well being and you going forward. He did for Hezekiah, and He will for you.
Oceanwayag.com
Friday, October 7, 2011
Is Time Running Out Before Judgment?
Jeremiah 20,21,22,23,24,25
Reading through the book of Jeremiah is very painful. The people of God have turned their back for years on Jehovah God. They have gotten use to their stick god worship of Baal.
They have gotten acclimated to sacrificing their children, nothing moves any longer in their hearts for the one true God. Their backslidden state brings such distaste and disgust to God that judgment is the only thing left for his people.
The word says that God chastens those whom He loves. What father would just allow his son or daughter to run out and play in the traffic? Any mom or dad knows it's a matter of time till they'll be run over with their childish play and die.
God has been so patient with Israel and Judah, but now the time has come for God's hand of correction. God will allow the bad fruit to be destroyed. The good fruit will be taken down to Babylon and be allowed to return after 70 years.
We are living in a day where anything goes. What could be so wrong with adultery, homosexuality, lying, stealing? Could God just be sitting back ignoring what is happening in our land? Is God just looking off in another direction? Is God saying; "well it's okay, they will come around one day?"
I have a concern that people think they are going to get off without any action from a Holy God. There is coming an hour that God will say;" that's it." There is coming another day of judgment on a land who chases their own agenda and dreams.
People think they are going to get off with their careless living. God is a God of justice. God declares that there will be a time of shaking, and that judgment will begin in the house of the Lord, then He will come and judge the world.
We should weep when we read through the laziness and the lack of repenting on Judah and Israel's part. Why did they not turn from their sins? Why did they not turn before God's patience ran out?
Jeremiah had preached and prayed his heart out. He had wept many tears for their ignorant and cold ways. They had lived years in their backslidden condition. There was only one answer for God. He would send judgment and then restore what was left of the remnant.
Today is the day of Salvation. If you're running in the wrong direction, turn to the Lord today; don't put it off before the only answer for your own life is God's wrath of judgment. He can change anybody, anywhere, anytime. Are you ready today to say, "Yes Lord , I surrender my heart unto you." Do it now before it's to late. Allow his love to trump your heart and live out God's purpose for your life.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Reading through the book of Jeremiah is very painful. The people of God have turned their back for years on Jehovah God. They have gotten use to their stick god worship of Baal.
They have gotten acclimated to sacrificing their children, nothing moves any longer in their hearts for the one true God. Their backslidden state brings such distaste and disgust to God that judgment is the only thing left for his people.
The word says that God chastens those whom He loves. What father would just allow his son or daughter to run out and play in the traffic? Any mom or dad knows it's a matter of time till they'll be run over with their childish play and die.
God has been so patient with Israel and Judah, but now the time has come for God's hand of correction. God will allow the bad fruit to be destroyed. The good fruit will be taken down to Babylon and be allowed to return after 70 years.
We are living in a day where anything goes. What could be so wrong with adultery, homosexuality, lying, stealing? Could God just be sitting back ignoring what is happening in our land? Is God just looking off in another direction? Is God saying; "well it's okay, they will come around one day?"
I have a concern that people think they are going to get off without any action from a Holy God. There is coming an hour that God will say;" that's it." There is coming another day of judgment on a land who chases their own agenda and dreams.
People think they are going to get off with their careless living. God is a God of justice. God declares that there will be a time of shaking, and that judgment will begin in the house of the Lord, then He will come and judge the world.
We should weep when we read through the laziness and the lack of repenting on Judah and Israel's part. Why did they not turn from their sins? Why did they not turn before God's patience ran out?
Jeremiah had preached and prayed his heart out. He had wept many tears for their ignorant and cold ways. They had lived years in their backslidden condition. There was only one answer for God. He would send judgment and then restore what was left of the remnant.
Today is the day of Salvation. If you're running in the wrong direction, turn to the Lord today; don't put it off before the only answer for your own life is God's wrath of judgment. He can change anybody, anywhere, anytime. Are you ready today to say, "Yes Lord , I surrender my heart unto you." Do it now before it's to late. Allow his love to trump your heart and live out God's purpose for your life.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Are You Listening To God?
Haggai 1: 1-15 Psalms 32:8,9
Life can get frustrating when the communication lines are broken down with our cells, our cable, and our computers. Life will get even more frustrating if your communication lines are down with God. Haggai had come to share a word with the people of God to get them back on track. God has several ways that He speaks to us each day.
The 1st way God speaks is through our being faithful in our discipline of reading the word of God. It is critical to hearing His voice. God will never say anything to you that contradicts with the writing's of the word of God. The word of God is first and foremost to His communicating to us.
The second way God speaks is He uses his ministers, Haggai was a prophet that came on the scene, from Babylon himself, he was about 82 years old and began speaking to Israel. The people had gotten discouraged with the threats from the enemy. Fear had set up in their hearts, so they chose to back off from the building of the temple. The foundation of the temple had been laid, but a storm of fear struck their hearts from the threats of the enemy.
As you read the book of Haggai, he explains in more details in his writings. "You say it's not time to build, you have gone and built your own homes, your own business, but the Lord would say it's time to go to the mountains and cut down the timber to build the house of the Lord."
These were words from the mouth of Haggai, but were words being spoken to the people from God. Be careful that you don't ignore the preaching of the word of God to you as one of God's children.
I have been preaching for 30 plus years, and I don't take it lightly that I am to bring a fresh word from the Lord to our people on a weekly basis.
"It's through the foolishness of preaching that people are saved." Haggai's words were instructions for the people to turn their focus and their worship back to God. They had gotten so distracted with their own jobs, their own business and the prophet says, It's time to get back to what God has told you to do in building the temple.
Many times in our walk with God, we may have just laid the foundation of our faith in God, we may have just laid the foundation of our dream or our ministry. Satan comes along to discourage and to distract you from doing what God has called you to do. 16 years had passed with them being distracted.
The 3rd way God speaks is through prayer. As you wait on the Lord each morning. Think about a waiter or a waitress that comes to wait on you at your table. They come asking, "What is it that I can get for you today?"
Go to the Lord waiting on Him each day. "Lord what is it that you desire from me today?" Isaiah 40:28 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
Each day the Lord will speak to your heart, he will impress in your spirit what He wants you and I to do with our lives. Haggai had been waiting in God's presence asking, "What is it you want?" Remember what God says to you will always line up with the word of God.
The 4th way to listen is to be responsive to God's word. The people of God got back on track because they were responsive to the word that came to their hearts. They heard the prophet as he spoke "now is the time" Friend don't delay, but respond to His word to your heart, and life will bring peace and power, and strength for the journey in your life. God has only laid the foundation to what He has planned and mapped out for your life. Listen and respond to the word that He has prepared for you today.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Life can get frustrating when the communication lines are broken down with our cells, our cable, and our computers. Life will get even more frustrating if your communication lines are down with God. Haggai had come to share a word with the people of God to get them back on track. God has several ways that He speaks to us each day.
The 1st way God speaks is through our being faithful in our discipline of reading the word of God. It is critical to hearing His voice. God will never say anything to you that contradicts with the writing's of the word of God. The word of God is first and foremost to His communicating to us.
The second way God speaks is He uses his ministers, Haggai was a prophet that came on the scene, from Babylon himself, he was about 82 years old and began speaking to Israel. The people had gotten discouraged with the threats from the enemy. Fear had set up in their hearts, so they chose to back off from the building of the temple. The foundation of the temple had been laid, but a storm of fear struck their hearts from the threats of the enemy.
As you read the book of Haggai, he explains in more details in his writings. "You say it's not time to build, you have gone and built your own homes, your own business, but the Lord would say it's time to go to the mountains and cut down the timber to build the house of the Lord."
These were words from the mouth of Haggai, but were words being spoken to the people from God. Be careful that you don't ignore the preaching of the word of God to you as one of God's children.
I have been preaching for 30 plus years, and I don't take it lightly that I am to bring a fresh word from the Lord to our people on a weekly basis.
"It's through the foolishness of preaching that people are saved." Haggai's words were instructions for the people to turn their focus and their worship back to God. They had gotten so distracted with their own jobs, their own business and the prophet says, It's time to get back to what God has told you to do in building the temple.
Many times in our walk with God, we may have just laid the foundation of our faith in God, we may have just laid the foundation of our dream or our ministry. Satan comes along to discourage and to distract you from doing what God has called you to do. 16 years had passed with them being distracted.
The 3rd way God speaks is through prayer. As you wait on the Lord each morning. Think about a waiter or a waitress that comes to wait on you at your table. They come asking, "What is it that I can get for you today?"
Go to the Lord waiting on Him each day. "Lord what is it that you desire from me today?" Isaiah 40:28 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
Each day the Lord will speak to your heart, he will impress in your spirit what He wants you and I to do with our lives. Haggai had been waiting in God's presence asking, "What is it you want?" Remember what God says to you will always line up with the word of God.
The 4th way to listen is to be responsive to God's word. The people of God got back on track because they were responsive to the word that came to their hearts. They heard the prophet as he spoke "now is the time" Friend don't delay, but respond to His word to your heart, and life will bring peace and power, and strength for the journey in your life. God has only laid the foundation to what He has planned and mapped out for your life. Listen and respond to the word that He has prepared for you today.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
Monday, October 3, 2011
A Window of Opportunity
Psalms 32:1-8
I live near the Dames Point bridge in Jacksonville Florida. When the Cruise liners come in the port, there's a window of opportunity that the ship has to come in or to go out. When the tides drops, it allow the ships to have just enough clearance to get through and under the bridge safely.
God is giving David a window of opportunity to not only come clean, but to confess his sin before God. David is writing this Psalm after his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah.
David does an evil thing, but God has sent His servant Nathan to get king David back on track. David could have attempted to cover up his actions like his predecessor Saul , but he chooses to confess and come clean before God.
Saul's fate ended in great tragedy, but David chooses not to be like a stubborn mule, but to confess his wrong actions and to come clean with God.
David suffers heartache for his wrong actions, but God comes along and shows him great mercy and forgiveness. He says, Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sins are covered. The weight of his sin is now gone, the peace of God has now taken place of the heaviness of his soul.
You can't be happy with sin buried in your life. David says when I hid my sin, all my juices dried up, my moisture has turned into the drought of summer. When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long.
David became a man after God's own heat not because he had a perfect record, but because he chose take the window of opportunity to ask for God's mercy and forgiveness. It's a dangerous thing to put God off and to play around with God's love and mercy.
Call on God today, come clean with Him and allow His loving grace and mercy to forever change your future and His favor on your life. He's there waiting to steer your life into His plan and peace forever. Don't miss your window of opportunity to become what God wants you to become.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
I live near the Dames Point bridge in Jacksonville Florida. When the Cruise liners come in the port, there's a window of opportunity that the ship has to come in or to go out. When the tides drops, it allow the ships to have just enough clearance to get through and under the bridge safely.
God is giving David a window of opportunity to not only come clean, but to confess his sin before God. David is writing this Psalm after his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah.
David does an evil thing, but God has sent His servant Nathan to get king David back on track. David could have attempted to cover up his actions like his predecessor Saul , but he chooses to confess and come clean before God.
Saul's fate ended in great tragedy, but David chooses not to be like a stubborn mule, but to confess his wrong actions and to come clean with God.
David suffers heartache for his wrong actions, but God comes along and shows him great mercy and forgiveness. He says, Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sins are covered. The weight of his sin is now gone, the peace of God has now taken place of the heaviness of his soul.
You can't be happy with sin buried in your life. David says when I hid my sin, all my juices dried up, my moisture has turned into the drought of summer. When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long.
David became a man after God's own heat not because he had a perfect record, but because he chose take the window of opportunity to ask for God's mercy and forgiveness. It's a dangerous thing to put God off and to play around with God's love and mercy.
Call on God today, come clean with Him and allow His loving grace and mercy to forever change your future and His favor on your life. He's there waiting to steer your life into His plan and peace forever. Don't miss your window of opportunity to become what God wants you to become.
Oceanwayag.com Danny Baggett
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