Month: October 2016

THE WILLINGNESS OF JESUS…


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Mark 1:40-41 – “Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”  41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”  NKJV

 

I fully understand praying, “Lord, if it is your will.”  That should be our first prayer when the will of God is in doubt but should not be our constant prayer once we know the willingness of the Lord on a particular matter.  That is not ‘coming boldly before the throne’ that is prayer with an exit strategy in case it does not come to pass.  It is not a demonstration of confidence in the Promises of God it is a reflection of our timidity and doubt.  Please do not think me mean or heartless in saying that, for I know the trauma of asking and not receiving.  I know what it is to have doubt, be questioning, and skeptical as to the result.  I know what it is to know the Promise and still wonder if I could really expect it in my life.  I’ve been there!  I do not say that proudly but honestly.  So, I am not trying to speak to you as one who is super-spiritual or one who always manifests faith and sees the desired result.  I speak from an honest heart desiring to learn and convey to others the WILLINGNESS OF JESUS and encourage hearts to appropriate the promises and stand on God’s Word.

The leper came to Jesus with an honest desire and question.  He knew in his heart Jesus could and possibly because of the view of illness by many of his day , he was not certain that his malady wasn’t his own doing and personal sin.  Therefore, He acknowledged his belief that Jesus COULD, his question was if Jesus WOULD.  Most of us have been there and know the mental, emotional, and spiritual battle that is.  Jesus’ response was most powerful and demonstrates a truth the Scripture repeats time and again, GOD IS WILLING. 

In this matter, physical healing was the issue but it could have been anything.  In this matter, this man knew from the Prophet Isaiah that Jesus COULD.  Isaiah 53 makes it clear that “by the stripes of Jesus healing was possible.”  He could know the history of Israel in the wilderness and many of the prophets of old that “healing was possible.”  In the biblical historic record, there was case after case where healing flowed supernaturally.  This man could know from the reports of the miracles performed by the hand of our Lord that He COULD.  So COULD was not the question.  The question was WOULD Jesus do it.

There is a passage in 1 John that has long resonated with me and provided hope and confidence.  It reads, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”  (5:14-15)  Did you catch that?  The CONFIDENCE is provided.  The assurance finds its foundation in the revelation given.  Remember Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not see.”  This CONFIDENCE or ASSURANCE comes in asking or prayer, anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL.   It is not just asking according to His will but in so asking we have the Promise HE HEARS US.  That’s fantastic but does not give a surge of faith and confidence that we will receive.  So, He hears me but WILL HE DO IT?  Read the next verse.  In KNOWING that He HEARS prayers prayed according to His will we have ASSURANCE that whatever we ask is granted.  Simply, HE IS WILLING and HE WILL. 

Remember Jesus’ words to those struggling in Luke 12:32 – “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  How many times did Jesus promise something encapsulated in His promise that we can ask and expect to receive, seek and expect to find, and knock expecting the door to open?.  God is not a sadistic overlord but a loving Father wanting to meet all our need according to His riches in Glory.  So I encourage you to search the Scriptures for God’s Promises and then take your need to prayer based on the Promise that applies and if God Promised it and we come with a humble and repentant heart we will experience THE WILLINGNESS OF JESUS. 

            God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Jesus victoriously!

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GODLY LEADERSHIP…


 

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1 Chronicles 18:14 – “So David reigned over all Israel, and administered judgment and justice to all his people.”  NKJV

The exact same words are used to describe the Davidic Administration in 2 Samuel 8:15. When Saul reigned, he began well and ended in disaster.  His administration was anything but righteous or godly and in 1 Samuel we find his disobedience that resulted in God decreeing that “his kingdom would not continue.” (13:14).  In the latter portion of that verse we read, “…The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”  Remember the words of Daniel 2:21 – “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”  In Psalm 75:6-7 – “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”  I challenge and encourage everyone to keep in mind that God is still GOD regardless of what is happening in this world.  And when the godly are in as we read in  Proverbs 29:2 – “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

God sought for a man ‘after His own heart’ or a righteous man to rule.  We read Acts 13:22 – “After removing Saul, He made David their king.  God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to.”  What a commendation, HE WILL DO EVERYTHING I WANT HIM TO.  Did that mean David would not make mistakes?  NO!  It meant David would maintain a prayerful and open heart to the Holy Spirit and the desires of God.  It meant that his heart would be for the people.  It meant that when he made mistakes and found himself coming short of the glory of God, he would immediately repent and return to the LORD.  It placed a human covering over the nation that facilitated and enhanced the continual flow of God’s blessings.  That meant that righteousness was in authority for they had a man who fit the description of the urging of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  When leaders are godly and lead by godly principles and precepts the nation has the promise of God to provide their need, keep them safe, and guide them.  The people have reason to rejoice! 

When you contrast the reigns of Saul and David you see the difference in national rejoicing and national sorrowing.  In our present world, leaders, for the most part, are anything but righteous.  Many are extremely self-serving and driven by an agenda diametrically opposite of God’s and the result is lack, trouble, and national strife.  In America, we are at a time and place where we, as a nation, need to heed the call of 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  We need healing socially, morally, economically, relationally, and spiritually as individuals and as a nation.  We have an election that is historic in its importance and sadly, the major players are deficient in the godliness category.  Yet, we do not have to despair for God truly does raise up and take down rulers.  God’s Promises are sure and to be relied on and He says to us that IF we will return to Him He will return to us.  (Malachi 3:7). 

I don’t know what you are facing personally but I do know what we are facing nationally and if we have ever prayed for godly leadership we should do so now.  If we have ever desired national healing, we should desire it now.  We can return to being a nation that could be described in our text where there is the administration of “judgment and justice”.  Where godly wisdom will guide us in the pathway of our nation.  I pray for you as an individual and ask God to provide what you need in every way.  I ask that He guard and guide you as you pursue His purposes and I ask that He heal our land and help us to return to Him!

            God bless you richly is my prayer!

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DOUBLE PORTION ANOINTING…


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2 Kings 2:9-15 – “And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?”  Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”  10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.  12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.  

15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.”  NKJV 

 

Through the years I have heard various ministers declare that the mantle of some previous giant of the faith had fallen on them.  Maybe it did and maybe it didn’t.  Was it the declaration of God or the desire of the individual to assume that position and rise to that acclaim?  If it was the declaration of God, the Elisha principle should be applied and if it was the latter then it will become exposed for what it is, FLESH. 

I am convinced that Elisha’s heart in desiring a ‘double portion’ of the anointing on Elijah had nothing to do with personal ambition but a desire to serve God and defeat the forces of hell as powerfully as possible.  In his life and ours, in receiving an anointing from God you can count on the reality that that anointing will bring with it difficulties, tests, and trials.  The anointing can take you where you do not want to go and cause you to go against personal preferences and even find you isolated or rejected by many you had formerly depended on or associated with.  God’s anointing should be desired, as in Elisha, more than anything else in the world.  Again, it is NEVER for personal gain or ambition but for service!

Elisha had served Elijah in an apprenticeship and although he had a prophetic call on his life he understood servanthood and service.  Elijah’s decree is most interesting.  He said, “…IF you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”  That brings to light an important factor in God’s anointing, VISION, and FOCUS.  Elijah instructed Elisha that UNLESS he maintained focus and was persistent in his determination and pursuit of the prize it would not come.  Remember the words of our Lord, “Seek ye fist the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”?  Paul declared in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  FOCUS is an absolute requirement and to remain focused there must be VISION and to have vision there must be COMMITMENT.  That singular commitment and desire to have God’s anointing was present in Elisha and he never wavered from it.  Our pursuit must be God not position, recognition, or title.

God will not share His glory with flesh and if you are seeking His anointing for self, even if you received it that anointing would destroy you.  He was willing to lay down his “own mantle” to receive the “Double Portion Mantle of God.”  He exemplified the expression of John the Baptist when he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  If we are to have God’s anointing we also must have the Heart of our Lord and as Paul said, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ.”   

            God bless you as you enjoy His richness and presence this wonderful day!

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BEWARE THE FLESH…


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1 Kings 11:1-8 – “But King Solomon loved many foreign women, as well as the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites —  2 from the nations of whom the LORD had said to the children of Israel, “You shall not intermarry with them, nor they with you. Surely they will turn away your hearts after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and did not fully follow the LORD, as did his father David. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. 8 And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.”  NKJV

 

In today’s political world much is being said about sexual impropriety and lasciviousness and that is a problem.  Solomon, a man who began right and because of his desire to do good and serve received the blessing of the Lord in incredible wealth, power, position, and wisdom.  However, in all his getting he forgot to heed the Word and Warnings of the Lord and allowed his flesh to rule his life.  He made bad alliances in taking to himself many foreign wives who neither knew Jehovah God nor honored him.  The Bible says that Solomon had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines and his wives turned away his heart.  This had to be about more than physical attraction and sexual gratification it revealed a root problem in his heart that was far beyond simply fleshly desires.  It was about allowing the FLESH to dominate and, in my view, he allowed himself to become the ‘center of his universe.’   That is what Adam and Eve did in the Garden when they fired God as Lord of their lives and became gods to themselves.  Power corrupts.

God warned about bad associations.  That truth was repeated in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”  Paul also addressed this in Galatians 5:9 and 1 Corinthians 5:6 telling us that “a little leaven leavens the entire lump.”  In 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul warned to ‘not associate with immoral people.’  In 2 Corinthians 6:14 there is the clear warning about wrong relationships, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”  And we dare not forget the words of Psalm 1:1, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!”

Solomon knew well the directive in Leviticus 20:23, “Moreover, you shall not follow the customs of the nation which I will drive out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.”  Likewise, he knew the words of Numbers 16:26, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing that belongs to them, or you will be swept away in all their sin.”  Solomon allowed the prize of his eyes and the cravings of his flesh to overrule his spiritual reason and became corrupted by the influence of unbelievers.  The warnings of God through Moses in Deuteronomy 12:30 should have been heeded, “…beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’”  Solomon’s wives followed other gods and his love and devotion to them tugged at his heart and opened the door for his spiritual downfall.  It was his choice and demonstrated the power of the flesh if we do not maintain our focus on God.

Never, never, allow the flesh to rule you rather heed the cry of Paul in Galatians 5:16-26, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”  

Make a decision of heart and conscience as Joshua declared, “…as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”    God bless you as you faithfully follow the Lord!

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DIVIDED HEARTS…


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Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”  NKJV

 

Almost every time I’ve heard a sermon from this text it was about money.  It is talking about money, wealth, and/or possessions but it is about much more.  It is addressing “divided hearts” or “divided allegiance.”  That is one of the central messages of the Gospel, in my view.  The verbiage of this passage is quite interesting to me.  Let’s examine it if we might.

Notice, Jesus said, that we could not serve Two Masters.  Think about that for a moment, He called possessions, wealth, money or whatever divides our hearts and allegiance a MASTER.  That would imply that we are ‘slaves’ to whatever that is.  Some are enslaved by their sexual addiction, some by drugs or alcohol, some by the quest for power, some by fame, some by public opinion, and many other things.  If we allow anything to become a Master or Lord in our lives and divide our hearts and allegiance, we become the person of James 1:8 “double-minded” and thereby UNSTABLE in ALL our ways.  He did not say some of our ways but ALL of our ways and an unstable man cannot be depended on.  Proverbs 25:19 says, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.”  Paul told the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Why do I use Proverbs 25 in addressing the person with a divided heart and divided allegiance?  Read the next words of our Lord about the person attempting to serve Two Masters, “he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.”  That which keeps us from what we want or reminds us of our primary duty when we want to split our love and loyalty is almost always despised.  God will not share His Glory with anyone or anything. 

1 Samuel 12:21 declares, “You must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which cannot profit or deliver, because they are futile.”  That speaks of a divided heart and results in a lack of productivity.  The writer of Hebrews declared in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”  John warned in 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world nor the things of the world if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.”  A divided heart results in robbing one of the Joy of the Lord.

God is not pleased with a Divided Heart as we can see in Hosea 10:1-2 – “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; according to the goodness of his land they have made goodly images. 2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.”  Some seem to think they can live with a divided heart and God or others not notice but God sees and knows.  I suggest you read these passages: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart… Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins… Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart… The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good… Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts… If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works… I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings… For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things… And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (I Samuel 16:7, Psalms 7:9, Psalms 44:21,Proverbs 15:3, Proverbs 21:2, Proverbs 24:11-12, Jeremiah 17:10, I John 3:20, and Revelation 2:23).

             God is a jealous God in the sense that He has given us UNCONDITIONAL LOVE through Jesus on the Cross and seeks to bring us into the NEW BIRTH and translate us from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of Light.  He wants to include us in His Body which requires exclusivity of commitment.  Come out from among them and be separate is the plea. If we ‘seek first’ God and His kingdom we have the benefits and promises of God if divide our heart, love, and loyalty we separate ourselves from God and find nothing but futility.

            God bless you as you enjoy this day in Him!

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BROUGHT OUT OF NOTHINGNESS INTO PLENTY…


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2 Samuel 9:2-5 – “2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “At your service!”  3 Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.” 4 So the king said to him, “Where is he?”  And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.”   5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.”  NKJV

 

Here is a beautiful picture that I suggest is an example of the ministry of our Lord Jesus for all who are ‘weary and heavy laden’ and lonely and living in lack.  The servant of Saul’s house informed the kind that the descendant of Jonathan, Saul’s son.  The descendant, Mephibosheth was lame and unable to fully care for himself.  David sought to demonstrate kindness in fulfillment of his promise to Jonathan and his honoring of the fact that Saul had been God’s anointed leader.  Where Mephibosheth was dwelling is of importance it was Lo Debar or Lodebar which means “a place of no pasture” and indicates ‘loneliness and lack’.  Some historical suggestions are that this city was a forgotten place where those dwelling there were largely the outcasts of society ignored by those outside.  It was a PLACE OF LONELINESS.

David sought out Mephibosheth and that is exactly what our Lord does for us.  He has sought us and seeks us out to restore us and bring us out of our Lo Debar.  I love the words of David to Mephibosheth when he was brought before the king.  David called to him calling him by name and Mephibosheth responded, no doubt with trepidation and trembling for kings in those times usually executed the surviving members of families of prior kingdoms.  David immediately said, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”  WOW!  Did you hear that?  I am going to show you ‘checed’ or kindness.  That’s what God does for us.  Then he said, I am going to restore to you all the lands of your grandfather.  God is a God of Restoration and will restore all that has been stolen from us.  Then, he said, “…you shall eat bread at my table continually.”  HALLELUJAH!  We have a seat at the Master’s Table CONTINUALLY!

I don’t know what you are now experiencing or have been experiencing.  I don’t know if you are in a state of loneliness and lack but I know the Lord’s Promise and heart for you.  Remember Jesus’ words in Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  In Matthew 6, Jesus spoke to the disciples and followers and to all of us now assuring us that WE DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY.  Jesus uses the illustration of something like flowers and their beauty and the grass of the field that is temporary but clothed in majesty by the creator to remind us that if God takes that kind of interest in grass what will he do for His children.  Then in Matthew 6:33 we come to a most powerful word for God, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  As the song says, “I don’t worry, I don’t fret, God’s isn’t finished with me yet.” 

You may be in a place of no pasture, feeling a castaway and forgotten by society but God has not forgotten you and will bring you out of nothingness to plenty.  Just lift up your heads and lift up your eyes knowing your redemption is near!

God bless you as you embark on today’s leg of life’s journey.

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FAITH & OBEDIENCE – Our Part and God’s Part…


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Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”  NKJV

 

I love the story of Balak and Balaam.  Balak was paying Balaam to curse Israel and each time Balaam would stand to do what he was being paid to do the Lord would put a blessing in his mouth.  This infuriated Balak and finally Balaam uttered the words of our text.  Remember when Saul, the King disobeyed the directive of Samuel the prophet in 1 Samuel.  I love Samuel’s way of approaching issues.  Saul had defeated the Amalekites and Agag their king and rather than being obedient he spared the king and took his livestock for spoil contrary to God’s directive through the prophet.  Samuel showed up and Saul gloated about his great victory and his obedience to God’s directive.  Samuel, looked around and asked, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”  Simply, “Saul if you had been truly obedient I wouldn’t be hearing this.”  Saul protested that he did it to bring the livestock to sacrifice to the Lord and the prophet said, “Be quiet!”  He let Saul know that God was not the least bit interested in his justifications for disobedience and in 1 Samuel 15:22 he uttered words that should resonate with us daily, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat or rams.” 

It reminds me of the story of the pastor struggling about what to do and one of his little ladies said, “Pastor if God tells me to jump through a hole in the wall it is my business to jump and His business to make the hole.”  William Burton McCafferty used to say, “God can pull us through anything if we can stand the pull.”  Obedience is our business making the way where there seems to be no way Gods.  Paul’s message to the Philippian church is revealed in his declaration in 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” and in 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”  It is our responsibility to OBEY.   We do not have to understand it all or even see clearly how it is all going to work out.  We are to OBEY.  That obedience is out of a heart of love and a confidence that God is God and will do what He does and NEVER FAILS.

Let me caution you.  I have tried to jump through some walls I wanted God to tell me to jump through and He had not.  The result was some severe headaches and pains from trying to run through a troop and leap over a wall He had not directed me to do.  However, there have been many times when I knew in my spirit that He had given me a directive and it seemed impossible.  In those times when I leaped, he made the hole and victory were realized.  Our problem, too often, is we are not listening to that still small voice of the Spirit of God and going on what we think ought to happen or what we’ve been told ought to happen.  We need to develop ‘spiritual hearing’ and become OBEDIENT in all things and at all times.  It is daunting to see the wall, hear the directive jump, and see no hole through which to go.  Yet, it is incredibly exhilarating to take a flying leap and suddenly there is a hole for you to go through, a supernatural move of God.

If we can trust Him for our salvation.  If we can believe He created the heavens and the earth.  If we can believe that Jesus died on the Cross for our sins.  If we can believe that He loves us with an everlasting love and it truly is His good pleasure to give us the kingdom.  Why, is it difficult to be obedient?  I need no credit for anything attributed to me as having accomplished in life for all that I am, all that I have, and all that I have done is the result of being OBEDIENT and His moving on my behalf.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF GODLY PARENTS…


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1 Samuel 1:24-28 – “Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.”  NKJV

  

The words leap off the page at me when I read, “…as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD.”  Imagine a mother whose heart was so heavy because she had no children and her fervent prayer resulted in a prophetic word and a miraculous work of God to provide her that child, a son, she had so desired?  Now, imagine that mother being willing to totally dedicate that son, to God physically as well as spiritually.  I have had people tell me they thought less of Hannah because she gave up the child but remember her vow in v.11, “…O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”   Her vow was her covenant with God and the life that was produced in Samuel is nothing short of extraordinary.

She kept him in the formative years of his life before taking him to Eli, the priest.  That calls to mind the words of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Her vow indicated that Samuel would act and serve as a Levite but would be raised as a Nazarite or one who willing dedicates himself to God. This was signifying that he would be totally dedicated to God and I am convinced that was the message she conveyed to him in those formative years.  She taught him God’s covenant and instilled in him the importance of keeping vows made to God and in pursuing God’s purposes in life. She taught him through her words and actions that God was supreme above all things.  Then when she took him to Eli he had been saturated with the Word of God, bathed in Prayer, and was shaped positively by the impact of the teachings and character of his godly mother.  His life’s directions were charted in those early years and would be a rudder for the rest of his days.

Of course, that is only one side of the equation for we dare not omit personal responsibility and personal commitment.  Samuel could have resisted and rebelled but he didn’t.  He didn’t because the method and message of his mother resonated in his heart.  She had kindled in him a desire to serve God and while I’m sure that her leaving him with the priest was somewhat traumatic or would have been for most children.  I’m sure her heart was torn from her chest as she walked away.  I’m equally sure that God saw both their hearts and through His Spirit, Power and Love provided a balm of peace in their hearts.  Samuel had to decide to fulfill the vow of his mother and he did.

Would Samuel have become the mighty prophet of God and man of the hour had she not made that vow and kept it?  Probably not!  Would Samuel have become a strong pillar in Israel had his mother not instilled in him from his birth the purpose of his life and the purpose of God?  Probably not!  I cannot emphasize the value and importance of godly parents in raising children.  One of the most significant problems in our world today, especially in America, is the lack of two-parent homes and the lack of godly parenting.  Thank God for those who view their role and responsibility as parents as a ministry and mandate from God to fulfill the first part of Proverbs 22:6 so that the latter part can become a sure reality.

If you have children, they are your responsibility and you are accountable to God for the training and example they receive.  You are their role model, not Hollywood, athletes, or entertainers.  YOU ARE!  Your value in the shaping of their lives is almost incalculable.

            God bless you as you fulfill your purposes for this day in Jesus!

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THE VALUE OF COVENANT…


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Ruth 1:16-17 – “16 But Ruth said: 

“Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.  17 Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”  NKJV

 

The incredible power of devotion and faithfulness is seen in the Book of Ruth in both Ruth and Boaz.  However, for it to have reached the place that Boaz could take Ruth as a wife, there had to be the commitment of Ruth in making Covenant with Naomi.  Ruth’s husband was dead and Naomi had no other sons and no prospect of having sons that could marry Ruth and raise up seed in the name of his brother.  Ruth was released by Naomi as was Orpah but Ruth refused to desert her mother-in-law and her covenant vows are seen in these verses.

Naomi was moved by Ruth’s commitment and selflessness but more importantly, God took note of her heart which produced her actions.  When they returned to Bethlehem they were destitute and among their relatives was a rich man named Boaz.  Ruth requested Naomi’s permission to go to his field to glean so they could eat.  There is no evidence that Ruth had a plan to get Boaz to marry her simply she was seeking to care for her mother-in-law.  It was the custom of the Jews to allow strangers to gather the corners of the fields and even glean the trampled down grain so when Ruth came to the field the workers honored the custom and allowed her to glean.  Boaz took note of her and upon inquiry realized who she was and was, no doubt, moved by her devotion to Naomi.  He invited her to continue day by day gleaning in his fields and instructed the workers to drop handfuls on purpose for her so that she would be sure to have a goodly amount to sell and for Naomi and her to eat.

When Ruth reported what had transpired to Naomi, her mother-in-law sensed the heart of God and knew the Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer so she encouraged Ruth to return with specific instructions.  Her willingness to comply and her demonstrated virtue moved the heart of Boaz as God worked His plan looking down the road to the Christ being born.  Boaz sought to protect her reputation and took action to approach the Near Kinsman to enact the Kinsman-Redeemer rights.  The Near Kinsman declined for personal reasons allowing Boaz to fulfill the role and duty required by the Law.

Ruth and Boaz had a son.  The child was named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David from whose line the Christ was born.  In the life of Ruth and Boaz we get a picture of the Kinsman-Redeemer Jesus and in the Book of Revelation Five, we find one of the elders telling John that there is one that has earned the right to open the scroll in heaven and that one is Jesus our Kinsman-Redeemer. He, Jesus, has redeemed us, is redeeming us, and will redeem us in the Last Days and seal forever our eternal place with Him in glory.

Two thoughts I want to leave you with.  One, the heart of a servant can clearly be seen in Ruth and the servant’s heart was rewarded by God.  Two, it was not enough just to serve but Ruth cut a covenant with Naomi and God is a Covenant Making and Covenant Keeping God and honors His covenant forever.  Ruth, in my mind, gives us a picture of what we should be and can be in Christ!

            God bless you as you embark on today’s leg of your life’s journey!

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THE VALUE OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE…


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Judges 2:7 – “So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.”  NKJV

 

There was an old country preacher that I knew who often said regarding the presence of God, “It is better felt than telt…”  I love feeling the presence of God and basking in the sunlight of His presence, power, and love.  And, as I reflect on that preacher’s words I find there is something in it worthy of consideration regarding experience.  I personally, do not want to ever reach the place that I base my relationship with God on an emotional experience but I never want to discount or discontinue that either.  I long to make my permeant residence IN HIS PRESENCE here and in eternity.

In this particular passage, there is a realization of the importance of personal experience in life.  I have heard about some of the great revivals of days gone by but did not experience them.  However, I have been in the presence of God and had some incredible experiences and witnessed some powerful moves of God’s Spirit that lasted long in churches, communities, and people.  I treasure those wonderful and powerful experiences.  However, who among us is not cognizant of the fact that historical experiences we did not participate in do not captivate us as those we did?  This passage reveals that so long as Joshua the Moses mentored leader who led the nation into the Promised Land and the elders who were also eyewitnesses lived GOD REIGNED in the hearts of people.  When they died, there were no longer those who had experiential first-hand knowledge of God’s mighty deliverance and fulfilling His promise to bring them to the Land of Milk and Honey.  When experience died there was a gradual erosion of commitment and a turning away or growing cold in dedication.

Every revival of the church lasted until the generation that witnessed and experienced it died and then it began to wane.  The fervor and fire of that revival kept the Church on track pursuing the truth that revival revealed and/or restored but when there were none who had experienced it around those who had heard about it could not embrace it with the same devotion nor feel the same compulsion to comply with the directives of the Spirit of God.  It was, to them, theoretical rather than experiential.  Sadly, many identify themselves as Christians in much the same way, theoretical rather than experiential.  We talk about God being able to “do all things” but if we have not witnessed or experienced His miraculous it is, to us, theory and when the chips are down we cannot stand on the promise with confidence.

I know some who grew up in Church and in homes where there was a fervent dedication to God, prayer was a staple, and the Bible was the guide.  They heard about it from their parents and grandparents but never truly experienced it for themselves and as those who had the experience received their eternal promotion the devotion and practices that kept the fire burning waned and diminished.  That reminds me of the truth that “You cannot get to heaven on Mama or Papas faith or experience.”  Christianity is a personal experience and relationship, not something that is inherited like property.  Growing up going to church may help you establish some important moral principles and ethics but will not save your soul.  The fact that Mama or Papa have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life does not automatically inscribe yours there.  It is an individual and personal experience.  “If we (each individual) confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” 

Experience or having a spiritual encounter with God personally is incredibly valuable in helping us to resist temptation, and maintain our dedication as we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.”   If you do not personally know Jesus I urge you to go into your prayer closet and call upon Him in repentance and receive His pardon and grace transforming you from darkness unto light.  Jesus has promised that if ANYONE will call upon Him He will not reject us.  Today is the day of salvation and now is the accepted time.  Experience God for yourself and the Bible will no longer be a theory but reality.

God bless you as you open the door to today with all its problems, promises, and potential.  Have a Great Day!

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