Month: March 2020

DO NOT BE TAKEN CAPTIVE…


2 Timothy 2:19-26 – “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.” 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” NASB

The Scriptures are filled with tremendous nuggets of truth which enable the believer to live victoriously free from the bondage of the devil.  Not only can we live free as we incorporate and implement the biblical principles of freedom in our lives, but we can help others experience that freedom as well.

In 2 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul reveals that as ministers of the New Covenant, we experience a more glorious ministry through the Holy Spirit.  In 2 Corinthians 4, he calls our attention to the reality that we have a treasure in earthen vessels through the Power of the Holy Spirit, not our own strength.  We have a glorious ministry and we will also face a mind-numbing opposition from demonic forces.  That reveals the great need of God’s Supernatural Power through the Holy Spirit in our lives.

In 2 Corinthians 2:11, the apostle informs us that we are not to be ignorant of the devices, schemes, plans, and tactics of the devil.  If we have not learned how he operates, that should become an immediate objective in our spiritual development.  It should become a focus of our prayer for God to open our eyes that we might see.  The enemy works constantly seeking to deceive and defeat us rendering us ineffective and causing us to become castaways.

Tragically, too many times, believers play right into his hands through ignorance or disobedience.  That exposes another clear reason we need to know the devil’s tactics and discipline ourselves to walk according to and in harmony with God’s Word and Spirit.

The text we have chosen tells us that we have a choice as to what kind of vessel we will be for God.  In verses 20-21 we are instructed to ‘cleanse ourselves’ from dishonor in order to be a vessel that is sanctified for God’s use and prepared for every good work.  Obviously, no person can cleanse themselves apart from God’s grace and mercy, so we need to fully surrender our lives to Him and then take definitive steps to walk in obedience, rejecting evil and temptation.

We are instructed to ‘flee youthful lusts.’  That is an interesting passage and I shared that with a person in their 60s who argued, “But, I am not a youth.”  The term ‘youthful lusts’ does not mean that only the young can be tempted, but the kind of lusts predominately found in the young we are to reject.  Paul continues his instruction and makes it clear that in rejecting or fleeing ‘youthful lusts’ we are to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.  This is to be done in the company of those who are the called of God and demonstrating purity of heart.

In verses 23-26 the apostle warns or commands that we refrain from contention and disharmony.  He offers the converse of that condition and directs us to learn to be patient in love and correct opposition with a spirit of grace and out of a heart filled with the Love of God.  We do this so that we may help those who are in error come to their senses and escape the snares and traps the enemy has laid for them or taken them captive to do his bidding. 

That is a problem that must be addressed.  “How can the devil take anyone captive, especially a Christian against his will?”  I believe that verse 26 gives a clear understanding that it is possible but how?  That is where we will begin in the next devotional. 

Until tomorrow, may the LORD bless and keep you and guide you through this wonderful day in Him!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

YOU MUST DISPOSSESS BEFORE YOU CAN POSSESS – Part Two…


Deuteronomy 12:1-3 – “These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 And you shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods, and you shall obliterate their name from that place.”  NASB

In the considering the idea of Dispossessing in order to Possess our Promises in God, we must consider several elements involved in this process.  None of them can be omitted and each of them leads to the next action.  In order to Dispossess the enemy, we must:

DISCERN or Mark the Enemy.  It is imperative that we develop an understanding of that enemy or know them and base our conclusions on the revealed Word and Will of God.  We must understand our legal claim and the enemy’s legal defeat.  It took place at the Cross and in the Death, Burial, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus.  He Won and through Him we Win. 

DISDAIN or Despise our Enemy.  No, not hate the individual humans but the devil and his hordes and what he has and is doing to people.  We must reject all claims of the enemy and even learn to belittle them through the Word of God.  What I mean is remind them repeatedly of their past, present, and future through the work of our Lord Jesus on the Cross. 

DISCLOSE or Uncover and Expose the Enemy.  We must bring them to the Light of God’s Word and Truth.  When they are exposed, we realize they are not the all-powerful force they pretend, and many have believed.  They are defeated!

DISCOMFORT or Bring Terror to their hearts and minds through the Word of God and the Victory of Jesus.  Remember the words of the harlot in Jericho?  She said to the spies, “When we heard, our hearts melted.”  The demonstration of God’s Power and Authority brings terror to the hearts of the enemy of our souls.

DISINHERIT the enemies and Seize Possession of the Promise.  We evict the illegal squatters on our promise.  We then occupy the place of promise and we set up defenses to resist the devil and keep them out. 

I am fully convinced that when and if the Body of Christ truly understands what Jesus has accomplished, we will live differently.  I believe that when we know that Jesus, as us and for us, totally defeated the devil and has given us power and authority over them, we will think and live differently.  Therefore, if He did it as me and for me, then the authority He has, I have!  He is the head and we are the body.

We need to let embrace this truth and allow it to become anchored in our thinking. We must never forget that ever demon we face has already been defeated at the Cross.  They experienced defeat!  There are no new demons being born, demons don’t have babies.  You are not battling some new demonic army of reinforcements.  Jesus defeated the ALL at the Cross and they are defeated!

He has made it perfectly clear that when we speak His Word and go in His Power and Name, they have to obey us, just as they have to obey Him, because “greater is He  that is in us than he that is in the world.”

What do we do?  We Identify the Enemy and our Inheritance.  We reject their deceit, lies, deception, and intimidation and begin to intimidate them through the Word of God.  We bring them to the Light of Truth and expose them.  We move them out of their fortified positions through the Word of God and unsettle them.  We take from them the territory they have illegally occupied and move onto and into our inheritance.

How do we do that?  By Faith!  I ask that you read Colossians 2:9-17 and I believe it will help us understand what Jesus did and what we can do in and through Him.  It is time to Dispossess the squatters and illegals from our Place of Promise and Possess the Promises and live the Abundant Life He Promised and Won for us at the Cross.

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

0 CommentsLeave a comment

YOU MUST DISPOSSESS BEFORE YOU CAN POSSESS…


Deuteronomy 12:1-3 – “These are the statutes and the judgments which you shall carefully observe in the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess as long as you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess serve their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 And you shall tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and burn their Asherim with fire, and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods, and you shall obliterate their name from that place.”  NASB

It has become a fascinating study for me, to search the Scriptures in their context with the understanding that the Bible is “One Book” not a series of books contained within the volume.  The Bible is a progression, not simply an Old Testament “A Book of Law and History” and a New Testament, “A Book of New Law and Grace.”  It is THE WORD OF GOD and One Book, progressively revealing the heart and purpose of God.  That is intriguing and inspiring.

In our modern times, we have arrived at a little understanding that everything that happened to Israel happened for our understanding and instruction.  It is declared in God’s Word that it is ‘first the natural, then the spiritual.’  Therefore, every event, pattern, practice, etc. in the natural in Old Testament Israel had and has a spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament Church and Believer.

I want us to pay careful attention to the instruction where God instructs them that they are to “Possess” the Land.  That is a vital realization if we are to fully possess the promises of God and live on and in our Place of Promise.  Too often we become obsessed with the geographical and miss something of far more significance. This obsession has robbed the Church of position, promise, and power for centuries.

Regarding the Land, remember the words of Jesus in the New Testament, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”  The Greek translated earth means: ‘country, earth or earthly, ground, land, world.’  This word and its Hebrew equivalent mean: “The Place of Promise.”  It is our anakali – inheritance!

We must never miss the reality that this place is not earned or deserved it is inherited!  We come into it by birth.  Not natural birth but spiritual birth.  We are heirs to the Promise by being born again but we do not fully enjoy it until we possess it. 

The Hebrew word (garash) means ‘drive out.’  They were to ‘drive out’ the occupants living on their inheritance.  Remember that the Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.  Therefore, He can give it to whomever He pleases, and He gave it to Israel, which means those occupying the Place of Promise were there illegally.  For Israel to enjoy their Place of Promise, their Promised Land they had to dispossess those possessing their land.

The Christian Life is a process and incorporated in the requirement that we respond to God by faith.  We must believe that He is and that what He says is how things are and should be.  Then we begin the process of dispossessing the enemy.  The mountains mentioned mean kingdoms.  The hills represent families of the land and the green trees represent people.  Therefore, our dispossessing will involve dealing with kingdoms, local, and individual enemies.  We have to get the devil off our promise through the Word and Authority of God through the Power of the Holy Spirit.

I want to deal with the “dispossessing” in a little more detail and will do that in the next devotional.  Until then, I pray that you will begin to consider what has been promised and allow faith to rise up in your heart that you can have what God says is ours spiritually.

Have a fantastic day and we will address this again tomorrow!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

THREE KEYS TO VICTORY – (Part Four) …


2 Corinthians 2:11 – “in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”  NASB

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  NASB

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”  NASB

In the last devotional we discussed the second key to victory – Identifying our source, the solution, and our supply.  The source is God, the solution is found in the Law of Sowing and Reaping and is in the provisions, principles of God being appropriated and applied in our lives.  The supply is God’s riches.  He has both the ability and desire to provide for our victory.

If we have not developed the needed confidence in God’s supply and the applied principles of His Word, the devil will continually wear away at our confidence and steal our victory.  If he can successfully entice us to replace God’s Promises and Directives with our own or cause us to modify God’s purposes to suit our desires, he steals our victory.  It would be germane to our discussion and understanding to read the entirety of the 23rd Psalm. 

Psalms 23 – “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” 

The third step or key to Victory is – We Must Identify our Position, Potential, and Power.  We are heirs of God that is our position.  We are overcomers, that is our potential.  We filled with the Spirit and that is our Power or source of Empowerment.   The apostle John declared it beautifully in 1 John 4:4 – “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”  It is revealed and declared in Acts 17:28 that in Jesus we live and move and have being and in 1 John 4:17 that “as He is, so are we in this world.”

The devil wants to defeat us but God wants to and has empowered us. In Jesus we are more than conquerors! Therefore, it is imperative that we Identify the Enemy, the Need, and the Problem.  It is vital that we Identify the Promises and Directives of Scripture for Victory.  It is necessary that we take the appropriate action to not only obtain but maintain that victory.  We repent where that is required and we apply the principles of God’s word and having done all to stand, keep on standing.

Stand firm in the faith and the promises of God.  Act upon what the Word of God declares and verbally declare those promises and provisions to be ours.  God said we can have beyond what we can think or ask, but He tells us to ask!

God bless you as you enjoy the fullness of the Victory Jesus purchased for us at Calvary!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

THREE KEYS TO VICTORY – (Part Three) …


2 Corinthians 2:11 – “in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”  NASB

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  NASB

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”  NASB

Identifying the enemy is critical and we must recognize and understand that our enemy is the devil not other believers.  He is the root of our problems and the propagator of the war being waged against us.  We quoted Ephesians 6:12 last time identifying that our struggle is with the powers of darkness. 

As we consider the following verses, we see even more powerfully who our enemy is and how we combat him.  Ephesians 6:13-18 – “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”  

Let me suggest that if we are negative, distrusting, pessimistic, doubtful, fearful, sour, weak in faith and hope, unforgiving, unfriendly, and unloving it did not come naturally.  We were influenced to become that way.  Who influenced us?  You are correct, it was the devil.  The tactic of the enemy is to destroy our trust, faith, and confidence.  His purpose is to cause you to be unloving, skeptical, and unforgiving.  He delights in diverting your faith, stealing your joy, and destroying your hope.  Remember his tactic with Adam and Eve, “Has God said?”  He brings questions and doubts, not peace and hope.

Two things worthy of remembering. If the problem or need is a result of you deviating from God’s direction and entices you to commit acts of omission or commission that violate God’s plan and purpose there is something you can and should do immediately.  That action is to repent and take steps to correct the attitude and behavior. We need to return to our first love and make things right.  If the devil has stolen from you and you identify that theft, God has some marvelous promises of restoration.  (Exodus 22:1-4; Proverbs 6:31).

Step one or key number one is – Identify the Enemy.  Step or key number two is – Identify our Source, the Solution, and Divine Supply.  Our source is God, the solution is found in the Law of Sowing and Reaping and in the Provisions and Principles of God’s word and appropriate them.  The supply is God’s Riches through Jesus.  He has both the ability and desire to provide.  He has the resources and is never lacking in supply or power.  We will delve into this key in the next devotional but for now, we will pause and say, “May the richest and best of the Blessings of God be yours.” 

Have a great day!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

THREE KEYS TO VICTORY – (Part Two) …


2 Corinthians 2:11 – “in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”  NASB

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  NASB

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”  NASB

In the last devotional we listed our objectives. Now it would be well for us to begin the journey of considering the Keys to Victory.  The first step is to Identify the Enemy, the Problem or the Need.  It is impossible to effectively fight an enemy, solve a problem, or meet a need that we cannot or do not recognize or identify.  An unidentified enemy cannot easily be defeated.  That type of enemy can: slip into your camp undetected, learn your strengths and weaknesses, uncover your strategy, steal your good, and spy out your defenses. 

If we cannot identify the enemy that enemy can walk about freely and sabotage everything.  We will see the results of the enemy’s work but fail to recognize the enemy.  In the Vietnam war, the Viet Cong did not come in with VC stamped on their clothing or foreheads.  They dressed like all the other Vietnamese, worked on our bases, and stole from us.  They would then build booby traps or fire the stolen ammunition back at us at night or on another day.  The enemy was often unrecognizable to the casual observer.  Only those who knew enough about the enemy and their tactics could recognize them.

To identify the enemy, it is imperative that we know something about him.  We need to learn the characteristics, tactics, goals, and objectives of that enemy.  We have to know where to look and what to look for.  In the text verse in 2 Corinthians 2:11b we read, “…for we are not ignorant of his (Satan’s) schemes.”  We must never give him an advantage.  We must always apply the principles of God’s Word and walk in love.

In WWII one of the major reasons we were able to defeat Hitler’s forces even though they often had superior weapons and training was because we knew more about them than they did us.  We had inside information as to their every move.  We knew their strengths and weaknesses.  We had inside information.  That is a picture of us in the Body of Christ.  We, through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, have inside information.  We understand the tactics, devices, schemes, and tools of the enemy.  We can exercise the Gift of Discerning of Spirits and recognize the enemy.  That is a decided advantage.

I read a report by a medical expert that stated that there are sometimes health problems that the medical profession cannot explain.  They know that there is a problem and it is internal, the eyes cannot see it, but the body can feel it.  The doctors simply do not know the underlying cause.  It is in that type of situation they will sometimes order exploratory surgery.  That exploratory surgery is done as a prelude to corrective surgery or treatment.  However, you cannot have corrective surgery ‘until’ you have identified the problem to be corrected.  You do not simply start removing body parts hoping to find the source of the problem.

I suggest that we consider some key passages of scripture:  John 10:10 informs us, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy.”  In John 8:44 we read, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.”  

Then in 2 Corinthians 11:14, we are informed that the devil transforms himself masquerading as an angel of light.  His identity and his tactics are revealed in Revelation 12:10 as we are told that he is the “accuser of the brethren.”  The devil’s tactics and strategy are amplified in Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” 

Our enemy is the devil and he is the source of our problems and his plan is to steal from us often in creating a need, confusion, and a sense of defeat.  We are more than conquerors and we need to identify the enemy so that we can enforce the victory of Jesus on the Cross.

We will take this another step in the next devotional.  Until then we pray that the LORD will bless you richly and open your eyes so that you can see with spiritual eyes and walk victoriously.

Blessings in Jesus’ Name!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

THREE KEYS TO VICTORY…


2 Corinthians 2:11 – “in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”  NASB

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  NASB

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”  NASB

I am relatively certain that everyone reading this has experienced and enjoyed the ‘Thrill of Victory’ and the ‘Agony of Defeat’ at some point.  I would seriously doubt that there is anyone reading this who does not desire to have more Joy, Peace, Faith, Hope, Assurance, and Spiritual Power!  Most everyone I meet wants Victory in their lives.  Most everyone desires a sense of Peace so they can weather whatever storm they are facing or will face.  We want a Hope that is steadfast and sure.

Anyone who as read the Bible has read God’s Promises and most want to believe that God truly intends for us to enjoy those Promises and Provisions today.  I have talked to numerous Christians who are struggling with the idea of having God’s Promised Abundant Life on this earth.  They believe they will have it in heaven but have difficulty envisioning a life of Victory here.  They are ‘enduring’ and believe that is their fate in life.

My objective in this series of devotionals is to inspire Hope and possibly answer some questions regarding, “How can we possess the promises and incorporate them into our daily lives?”  Can we have Joy Unspeakable and if so, how?  Can we have the Peace that passes all human understanding and if so, how?  Can we have Hope that is unshakable and if so, how?  Can we have the power to overcome the devil and if so, how?  What is our condition and position in God?

According to numerous passages of scripture, it is declared that we legally have authority and power over the devil.  That is based on the Victory and Authority of Jesus and His bequeathing or delegating it to us.  I suggest that many know, theoretically that we have that authority and power but have never been able to see it translated into reality in their lives.  How do we move beyond that and have the fullness of God’s Promised Victory in our lives?

In this quest to uncover the truth and incorporate it into our lives there is an essential understanding that must be achieved.  The Hope of Victory hinges on Identification or Recognition.  We must Identify several things if we are going to Possess the Promises and enjoy the Fullness of God’s Promised Victory in our lives.  It is as we identify and recognize these things of which I speak that we place ourselves in a position to implement those principles in our lives and move forward into possession of those promises. 

If you could discover how to Live Victoriously would you be interested?  If you could discover how to incorporate the Promises into your daily life would you be interested?  Would you be willing to do some serious soul searching and examination of God’s Promises?  I hope your answer is yes and if it is then I invite you to join me in the next devotional as we begin looking at what I call “Three Keys to Victory.”

God bless you and may your day be prosperous and joyous!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

WHEN YOUR MOSES IS DEAD, WHAT DO YOU DO?


Joshua 1:2 – “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.”  NASB

I am not trying to be morbid but most of us, if not all of us, have a ‘Moses’ in our lives.  That is not necessarily a person, but something in which we have invested our sense of safety, well-being, security, and ability to succeed.  It has been our ‘security blanket’ and we cling to it reverently and devotedly. 

I am convinced that some are so completely dependent on their training, their natural abilities, their organization or their position is their Moses.  They believe that their continued success or future success is dependent on maintaining the prominence and connection to those things.  Take away the ‘security blanket’ and many feel like a fish out of water and are lost in direction and purpose.  It could be their regimented life that gives them their sense of security and worth.  I do not know what it is, because it is different for each person, but after 50 plus years of Christian ministry, I am convinced each of us has a ‘Moses’ of some type in our lives.

Joshua had been brought up under the tutelage of Moses his leader and mentor.  He had been the one who was Moses’ personal assistant and went virtually everywhere with the man of God.  He had watched him as he guided the nation out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and through the wilderness.  He had seen the miracles, watched as God gave instruction to Moses. 

I am convinced that Joshua was more than an errand boy for the mighty leader.  He was a close companion in whom Moses saw leadership potential and the hand of God upon.  He was the leading general in the battle with Amalek (Exodus 17).  Moses took Joshua to the mount before he ascended for the 40 days and nights in God’s presence.  (Exodus 24:13). 

It is interesting to note that the name Joshua was not ascribed to him until Moses sent him and the others to spy out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:16).  The Name Hoshea in the Hebrew means deliverer, but the English translated name Joshua is taken from the Hebrew Yehoshua and means “Jehovah is Salvation.”  You might say, not much difference but I suggest it is an amplification of the future ministry and purpose of Joshua.

Joshua was totally dependent on the direction and guidance of Moses.  He never acted on his own initiative.  That is what Jesus declared in the Gospels that He did not simply do what He thought up, but what He saw and heard the Father doing and saying.  He came with a purpose.  Jesus knew who he was, Joshua had not yet learned who he was.  Therefore, God issues His decree in our text verse – “Moses, is dead, NOW…”

The NOW is incredibly important.  The NOW indicated the application of Joshua’s training, mentoring, and preparation.  He was not in a position to fulfill the purposes of God for His life without the ‘security blanket’ of Moses’ oversight.  That is amplified in Joshua 1:6-9 when God speaks of courage and obedience.  Basically, God was saying, “Joshua, you have been trained and have relied on Moses, but now you are to rely on Me.  There will be no go-between and I will lead you into the fulfillment of what you have spent your life getting ready for.”

God will always engineer our lives where there comes a time that our “Moses dies” and our ‘security blanket’ is taken away.  He will bring us to that moment in our lives when we must Totally Depend on Him and Trust Him if we are to fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.

If your denomination’s recognition is your Moses, God is bigger than that organization.  If your training and education are your Moses, God is bigger than your degrees and certificates.  If your Moses is a person, God is bigger than any man or woman.  No matter what you have relied on in addition to God or instead of God, knowingly or unknowingly, God is bigger!  It is time to bury Moses and allow the Spirit of God to launch us into His purposes for our lives.

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Him and allow the Spirit of God to launch you into being who He says you are!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

CANNOT STOP TALKING…


Acts 4:19-20 – “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” NASB

There was a Rock N Roll song released in 1960 by Joe Jones, “You Talk Too Much.”  It was written by Fats Domino’s brother in law, Reginald Hill and Fats passed the song along to Joe Jones.  It is a funny, catchy tune that speaks to life in many ways, but that is not my focus in saying, “Cannot Stop Talking.”

What I am focused on is what was happening in this account where the disciples were teaching and preaching Jesus and upsetting the religious status quo.  The message of the Resurrection of Jesus was extremely disturbing to many, especially the Sadducees and considered a threat to the iron-clad rule of the Sanhedrin.  Therefore, they had them arrested and brought in to be corrected and threatened.

The religious rulers issued a mandate to them to “Stop Talking About Jesus.”  The religious rulers realized that they had a problem because an undeniable miracle had transpired, and people were being swayed by the miracle and the message of the disciples.  They felt that the method that had worked for decades would work and the threat of disfavor with headquarters would be enough to silence them.  Sounds like some today, who fear man more than they fear God.

Peter and John were not intimidated because they had been with Jesus and He was alive in their hearts and they had witnessed His ascension to heaven.  They Knew!  They said to the religious rulers, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.”  That is the distinction between someone who has a theoretical religion and those who have experienced the new birth.

Jeremiah spoke of this compulsion in 20:9 saying, “But if I say, ‘I will not remember Him or speak any more in His name,’ then in my heart it will become like a burning fire shut up in my bones.”  He said I will become so consumed with what I have heard that I cannot endure.  The Psalmists declared in 39:3, “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue.”

When you encounter Jesus in the New Birth and He resides in your heart, you find that talking about Him is the greatest desire of your heart and brings you the most joy.  Back in Bible college, I met a young lady in the community who invited me to a high school football game.  She was interested in me, and I was interested in telling her about Jesus.  She became so frustrated that she said, “You have a one-track mind.”  No, she was not talking about things of the flesh for she continued, “All you think about is Jesus.”  I took that as a compliment, although it was meant to be, “Shut up and focus on me.”

Some of the greatest moments in my life have been when I am able to lead another person to Jesus and see the immediate change in their countenance and attitude.  After I received Jesus, and before I went into the ministry, I took my Bible to work and, on my breaks, I would read the Bible.  One of the men told my brother in law, “All Roy thinks about is God, but he sure does work hard too.”  I tried not to be overbearing wanted to share my experience and my LORD with all who would listen.

I met a man I went to secular college with, shortly after I received Jesus and as I shared my experience and my faith with him, he asked, “What happened to you?”  He expounded on that and said, “Most people turn to religion when something dire happens in their lives.  What happened to you?”  I said, “I was lost but now I’m found. I was blind but now I see.  Nothing traumatic happened, I just finally saw the light and now I am a new person.”  I had asked the LORD to let me go back and testify to everyone I had influenced as a sinner.  That has been a journey that continues after over 50 years. 

Let the Love of God and the Fire of God burn in your heart and speak His name and His Love, you never know who or how you will touch others and impact them for God and good. I cannot stop talking about what fills my heart and that is Jesus!

Have a great day and God bless you richly is my prayer!

0 CommentsLeave a comment

GOD’S THREE-LEGGED STOOL OF LIFE…


Deuteronomy 6:4-15 – “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; 7 and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 10 “Then it shall come about when the LORD your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you shall eat and be satisfied, 12 then watch yourself, lest you forget the LORD who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 13 You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him, and swear by His name. 14 You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, 15 for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.”  NASB

I realize that is a lot of scripture to wade through in preparing for a devotional message.  The idea of devotional suggests brevity and with that much scripture, brevity would seem impossible.  With that in mind let me off this ‘three-legged stool’ of which I speak.

The threefold are “Love, Life Actions, and Divine Promises.”  There is the direct and specific instruction that we are to teach these elements to our children and those under our sphere of influence.

The first directive, which is an often-repeated command from God is we are to Love God with our all.  All our hearts, all our souls, and all our strength.  If we were to package that and put it, in a nutshell, it would be to TOTALLY LOVE GOD!  If we reach that condition and position the Obedience is a foregone conclusion.  If we Love God to that extent, we would never think of disobeying for that would wound His heart and pleasing Him is paramount in our minds.

Moses instructed Israel that the Words of God’s Commandments and Law were to be on or in their hearts.  Jesus reflected on that truth and principle in telling us that we were to abide in Him, and His words were to abide in us.  He also said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15).  He did not say, “If you love Me, you will want to keep My commandments.”  He said, “You Will.”

The Hebrews had a practice and believed that it was the responsibility of the parents, especially the father’s to teach their children the Law of God.  Life lessons were to be taught at every opportunity. 

Instead of texting, burying our heads in our phones, tablets, and computers or being brain-washed by the TV, we are to teach in our homes, the principles and truths of God.  When we travel or walkabout, use whatever presents itself to illustrate God’s truths.  He gave a directive that the Pharisees took to the extreme and said, “bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.  And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”  He is saying, “Get them in your heart and become one with the truths of God and the Word of God.”

The Promise was “IF” we will do that and Love God with our All and become One with His Word God will send incredible Blessings upon us.  He will give us our Place of Promise and we will reap benefits that we did not provide the labor to receive. He will cause abundance to come into our lives in every possible manner.  We will become what God says we are, “Overcomers!” 

If we see prosperity as being what we hold in our hands, we will forever be poor.  If we see true biblical prosperity as beginning on the inside and working its way to the extremities, we will be as the Hebrews – “People Who Do Not Lack.”  When, I say that, I have people look at me and roll their eyes.  The Hebrews, who followed God with a whole heart live with ‘No Sense of Lack.’  They may not have had abundance in possessions but the had confidence that God would supply.  The Early Church lived believing that, “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” 

I pray that we will all discover and incorporate into our lives God’s Three-Legged Stool of Life.  I pray that we become people who Love God with our all, Live according to His Word, and Receive His Promises.

God bless you and may the Blessings of God be yours powerfully and abundantly today!

0 CommentsLeave a comment