Author: rbeaird

TESTING WITH PROMISE…


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Exodus 15:25-26 – “There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. 26 And He said, ” If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”  NASU

 

Israel had experienced the Supernatural Deliverance from Egyptian Bondage and had repeatedly seen the hand of God move mightily on their behalf, yet, they were often not content and complained.  How like many today?  God, throughout the Bible, offers conditional promises to His people.  He places something before them that is incredible and wonderful and then says, “IF”.  It is not an “IF” as in maybe but an “IF” as in a guarantee.  The Promise is as solid and sure as God Himself.  Israel had come upon water that was not potable for the waters of Marah were bitter.  The water was undrinkable and they complained, for without potable water they would die of thirst in the wilderness. Their concern was legitimate, their propensity to complain, murmur, and grumble was not.  God showed Moses a tree and he threw the tree into the water and the waters became sweet or drinkable.  That is a marvelous miracle but God was not satisfied with simply being their convenience store and provider, He wanted something from the nation that would bring forth the SEED of Salvation.

In the statute and regulation that God gave Moses we read, “IF you give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I WILL put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”  The Promise is majestic and nothing short of Awesome!  However, getting to the Promise required navigating some territory that they were not accustomed and had not demonstrated the willingness or ability to do.  This was God’s way of allowing them to SEE THEIR FLAWS and RECOGNIZE their need of Him in all things and at all times.

Consider the requirements for receiving this Promise.

  • Give Ernest Heed to God.

That is far more than mental assent or simple declaration, “We believe.”  It means to carefully examine and follow explicitly listen to WHAT God is saying WHEN He is saying it and being OBEDIENT.  It is not hearing only but it is hearing.

  • Do What Is Right in His Sight.

This is important for it not doing what we think doctrinally right or what is right in our own eyes but GOD’s.  It is earnestly listening to His Word and Will and then DOING it.  It is walking out what they heard in Obedience. 

  • Give Ear to His Commandments.

It is difficult to imagine anyone being obedient in ignorance.  How can I do what is right in God’s sight if I do not know what God is saying or desiring?  They were required to KNOW the commandments, hearing them in detail and understanding their literal meaning and grasping their spiritual impact.  We need to know not only God’s acts but His ways.

  • Keep ALL His Statutes.

He did not say keep SOME of my statutes but ALL my statutes.  That is impossible without the help of the Spirit of God and the direct involvement of God in our lives.  God was giving them a lesson that would conclude in TOTAL DEPENDENCE if they were earnest and serious in their pursuit of Him.

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THE PROMISE was – “I WILL put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”  THAT IS AMAZING!   Imagine living in a world that is filled with disease, death, and destruction and have God’s Promise that you will be exempt from it.  This would be an excellent time to read Psalm 91 and meditate on it.  This would be an excellent time to read Psalm 103:1-5.  This would be an excellent time to remember the words of Peter in 1 Peter 2 as He remembered Isaiah 53 telling them that JESUS was their healer.  However, this promise suggests they would not need a HEALER because He was giving them HEALTH.

There is a Place of Promise in God where we can stand on the proclamation that according to Hebrews, we have a BETTER COVENANT established on BETTER PROMISES than that of the Old Covenant, and promises like the one of this text are incredible.  We should set our hearts to becoming nestled in the center of God’s will and obedient to His every word.

            God, bless you richly as you enjoy this day in Him!

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ISAAC – A MAN OF PRAYER…


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Genesis 24:63 – “Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.”  NASU

 

Any designation given to any person is only as powerful and impactful as the reality of that in their lives.  I can call myself anything, but if the fruit and evidence of that claim are not a natural and normal part of my life, my claim falters.  I have met people in ministry that identify themselves as ‘this or that’ and even put it on their business cards, letterhead, and websites.  I am not blasting acknowledging a particular call or gift but a designation must be accompanied by fruit and evidence that supports that.  It must be visible and verifiable not simply proclaimed.

I could claim to be a ‘brain surgeon’, and although illegal to actually attempt to practice medicine without a license, that claim would not make me a surgeon.  I could claim to be an ‘Ace Pilot’ and anyone willing to get on an airplane and fly with me would be foolish without examining the evidence, verifying my credentials and training.  I could claim to be a ‘Financial Expert’ and some would likely allow me to manage their money but without the evidence and fruit of my claim, they would be misguided.  We can claim to be a ‘Christian’ but that claim without the fruit and evidence will not place my name in the Book of Life.  Whether I make the claim or others identify me in a particular way it is meaningless, can be deceptive, and destructive without the fruit and evidence backing up that claim or designation.

Here in Genesis 24, we find an interesting statement regarding Isaac as he was awaiting the return of Eliezer, Abraham’s eldest servant’s return with Isaac’s bride.  It says that Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening.  That alone would not be enough to identify him as a ‘Man of Prayer’ so what other evidence can we find that identifies him thusly?  When virtually everyone was leaving for Egypt due to a famine in the land, Isaac prayed and God instructed him to not follow the crowd but stay where he was (Genesis 26).  The Bible tells us that Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year a hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him (Genesis 26:12).  Let me suggest that his secret was prayer and faith.  He would ‘sow’ his seeds in the morning and in the evening, he would go out to pray, to water and anchor what he had done.  Ecclesiastes 11:6 informs us, “In the morning sow thy seeds, and in the evening, withhold not thine hand…”  Simply, there is work to be done in the morning and work to be done in the evening.   Prayer is not a passing infatuation but a lifestyle.  Isaac would dig his wells in the morning and in the evening, go out to pray and by morning the wells would be full of water. When the Philistines took his wells, he didn’t have to fight in the natural he went to prayer and repeated the process and had water.

But, those are not totally sufficient to earn him the label “A Man of Prayer”.  Is there more?  I’m so glad you asked.  In Genesis 25:21, the Bible tells us that Isaac’s wife could not have children and “Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became present.”   Isaac was a man that knew how to get results on his knees.  His life provides evidence and fruit that makes the designation valid.  If we learn to do nothing else in this life, we MUST learn to pray and become men and women of prayer.  It is through Prayer that we are enabled and empowered to engage in Spiritual Warfare.  I would encourage you to remember the words of our LORD in Mark 11:24, “WHATEVER it is that you desire, WHEN YOU PRAY, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”  In a sense, that is a blank check, but a blank check that is rooted in obedience and commitment to God.  The believer has the same secret weapon that Isaac utilized and enjoyed the blessings of God – PRAYER!

            May the LORD bless you richly as you move forward in this day!

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GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE…


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Matthew 6

Over the past two days, we have addressed some things from this powerful chapter in the Bible and considered some of the warnings and instructions of our LORD for our daily and godly living.  I want to continue that a bit because there are some additional things here that I believe particularly and that hopefully will resonate with your hearts.

Something that is talked about little and practiced even less in the 21st-century church is Fasting.  In studying the Bible I am amazed at how many times the light will come on and I realize that a particular passage is directly linked to another passage that seems completely void of connection. That is the case in Matthew 6:15-24 and I will try to connect the dots as the Holy Spirit enables me.  If it resonates with you I encourage you to act as a good Berean and seek to verify my teaching in its scriptural consistency and validity.  If you find it is in harmony with the overall teaching of God’s Word, then allow it to benefit your life and your walk.

The instruction of the LORD, regarding Fasting was ‘outward show’.  Again, that is consistent with verse one and remains consistent throughout the teaching of our LORD in the New Testament.  Fasting is not for personal recognition but for the purpose of bringing our hearts into alignment with God’s will and purpose.  It is, often, more about our hearts than anything else and is not for public recognition that would be how the Pharisees did it.  Don’t look like death warmed over and have a sour expression of suffering on your face when you fast.  NO, NO, wash your face, put on your smile and do it in secret before God and He will take note of that fast and the desired objective is far more like to be achieved.

I urge you to take note that the next few verses, although seemingly unrelated, are deeply related.  In your prayer, living, giving, and being you are ‘storing up treasures’.  If you do what you do for the purpose of human recognition you are ‘storing up treasures on earth’ but if you do it God’s prescribed way you are ‘storing up treasures in heaven’.  On earth, the moths can eat away at the treasure as public opinion changes and thieves can break in and steal as the enemy brings dissatisfaction or seeks to discredit you. But if your treasures are being stored up in heaven, MAN CANNOT TOUCH THEM and NEITHER CAN THE DEVIL.  Consider the word of our LORD, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  It is a heart matter!

Then, we find that difficult passage about the ‘eyes’ or what we see, how we see, and where we see.  If we are looking for the recognition of men our lives will be lived in the shadows and in darkness dependent on public opinion.  If we live according to God’s prescribed method then we are in the light and our entire being will be filled with light.  We will impact others and the abundance of God’s blessings will flow freely into and through our lives.

Jesus concludes those remarks with a powerful word that should be received as being far more than MONEY.  In verse 24 He says, “No one can serve two masters…”  You cannot serve public opinion and God.  You cannot be controlled by human ego but must be directed by the Holy Spirit and live your life to please God because you love God.  We cannot serve two masters for, as our LORD warned, we will love one and despise the other.  We will be devoted to one or the other.  We cannot serve God and the flesh at the same time.   It would be like trying to mix oil and water.  Of course, this passage is talking about money, possessions, and wealth but it is talking about much much more!

That is why we have verses 25-34 and if we connect them to the teachings of Matthew Six, as a whole, we will find them even more powerful in the impact and importance in our lives. They will give us an even greater sense of peace and purpose in our daily walk.  You have nothing to worry about because your source is not public opinion but GOD.  If we understand how He cares for His creation, then we have incredible peace about His ability and willingness to care for us.  Let’s set our hearts to make Matthew 6:33 a cornerstone in our lives and SEEK HIM FIRST and in so doing we will banish fear from our lives.

God, bless you richly is my prayer!

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GOD’S GUIDE FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING AND FUNCTION…


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Matthew 6

Yesterday we talked about verse one of this chapter but the entire chapter is filled with guidance as to how to live, how to think, and deals with our public and private lives.  It is quite an involved and powerful passage and is filled with incredible benefit if we will incorporate the instructions into our lives.

Jesus said in verse one that we are to guard against practicing our righteousness publicly for the purpose of recognition and to elicit personal praise and human flattery.  God, according to our Lord, finds that offensive and turns His back on it.  If you value the opinion of men more than the opinion of God, then fail to heed the warning or instruction.   However, if you value God’s opinion more than anything else, then heed the warning and follow the instruction.  It will not be easy and you will find times you must resist the temptation to ‘toot your own horn’ or get someone to ‘toot it for you’ to bring you recognition.

Next, our LORD addresses Benevolence.  This is particularly personal for me both in my own life and experiences I have had in leading congregations through the years.  I have, more than once, had someone come to me and say, “I’m going to buy this or that for the church or give this or that, but I do not want any personal recognition.”  That sounded wonderful, but when I allowed the gift to remain anonymous I soon became aware that what they said and what they wanted were not the same.  They wanted recognition but made the apparent ‘self-effacing’ statement hoping that I would violate their confidence ignoring their request and publicly praise them.  I considered doing so an ethical violation in which I could not participate and it cost me. It has always been my desire to do acts of benevolence anonymously.  What I do in secret God will reward openly, but even if He did not my gift or act was not for personal recognition but because I Love God and want to help those He directs to help.  Each time I have decided to give a gift or engage in an act of benevolence I ask myself, “Why are you doing this?  Is it because God has directed you and in what I am doing out of a pure motive to bring honor and glory to Him?”  I fully understand that the benefit to the person to whom we act in benevolence will be positive even if we are doing it for a wrong motive, but the greater blessing and benefit will be if we do it according to God’s prescribed method.  Is your life about you or about Him?

Then, Jesus addressed the matter of Praying.  This is troubling in some ways because I have found that in order to inspire others to pray, I have sometimes felt the need to be visible in prayer and thereby call attention to my praying.  That can be done discreetly without making a fanfare in the public arena and do as the Pharisees virtually saying, “Look at me and see how pious I am and how much I pray.”  Jesus said, “When you pray…”  Do not do so to be seen and do not use vain repetitions, but find a place to be alone with God and follow the guide of what we call the Lord’s Prayer:

“Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Yours is the kingdom and power and glory forever. Amen.”

In this prayer, in our closet, we recognize God and His Majesty and then when we are in public we can offer that recognition and praise with a pure heart.  We are to pray for God’s kingdom, purpose, will, and harvest and seek to come into full alignment with His purposes, plan, and will.  We follow the directive to FORGIVE in recognition that our forgiveness is so much greater than any offense we may have endured in our lives.  We know that God does not tempt and the prayer to not be led into temptation can be linked to the revelation that if we face something that is beyond our ability to endure, God provides a door of escape.  We pray that God will build a hedge of protection around us and when the enemy comes in like a flood He will raise up a standard against the enemy.  We are to learn to take on the Whole Armor of God so that we can withstand.  We praise God and we offer thanksgiving to Him.  If we begin our day in that mindset and practice, I am fully confident that He will guide our lives and what we do will not flow from a wrong motive but for the righteous purpose of LIFTING HIM UP!

            God, bless you greatly is my prayer as you fulfill your assignment for this day!

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JESUS’ GUIDANCE FOR GODLY LIVING…


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Matthew 6:1 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”  NASU

 

The whole of Matthew Chapter Six can be viewed as a basic guide for ‘Godly Living.’  It covers a wide gamut of topics and areas of life that there is a tendency and temptation to allow a motive other than godliness to reign.  I begin with verse one because it opens the door and deals with the human ego and reveals how easily we can allow something other than service for service to determine what we do in life.

I’m sure that each of us is aware of people who take great pains to ensure that everyone notices what they do.  Their acts of benevolence are done in such a manner so as to call attention to them.  I’ve witnessed church splits and ministry divisions whose roots were directly connected to ‘human ego’ and ‘jealousy’.  One of the reasons that many local churches do not achieve the prominence and effectiveness that God desires is rooted in this human frailty and flaw.  I have known, men and women who are in the lead position in a congregation who are unable to allow the gifts in others function fully and effectively because it diverted the attention from themselves.  They needed to be noticed and anything or anyone that detracted from that notice became a thorn in the side and, at times, an enemy.  If it is God’s church and He is the builder and owner, then we are managers or stewards of that which is His and if He has placed gifts and talents in the church it is vital that we recognize the benefits of those and utilize them fully without fear of our being diminished.  We need to remind ourselves of the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase but I must decrease.” 

If we are doing what we do for recognition and notice, we are seeking ‘fulfillment’ from a wrong source.  It is not the praise of men that gives us significance it is the HAND OF GOD.  It is Who we are in Him.  It is the fact that we are members of the Body of Christ and He has chosen our position and function and as in the human body all the parts must work in harmony for health and life.  I am reminded of the analogy of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12.  He reminded the Corinthians that the human and spiritual body is not individuals or individual parts but many parts linked together to producing life and health.  The hand is part of the body, not the primary focus.  The ear is part of the body and contributes greatly to the overall function but it is not the primary focus.  The eye is very beneficial in the operation of the body but even the eye is not the primary focus nor does it stand alone.  The head which houses our brain is vital to life but if we understand that We are not the Head, Jesus is we find it much easier to function as a unified body working in harmony and utilizing all the parts and functions.  Your title does not make you important, God’s purpose does.

I do not call myself anything but a Child of God because I have never wanted people to notice me and extend flattery to me.  I am a human being and battle human ego the same as others so I guard my life desiring what I do to call attention to God, not me.  Paul dealt with the Corinthians in another place as they divided into sects and cliques saying, “I’m of Paul, I’m of Apollos, I’m of Cephas, or I’m of Christ” which only called attention to themselves not the Kingdom of God.  The identifier “Christian” is the only identifier we need.  If you see me functioning in a gift, know that God chose to use me in that gift for that time and for that purpose.  I have instructed congregations that I have led, “Do not look at me, look at Jesus.  If you find what I’m teaching and preaching is consistent with God’s word embrace it, if not bring it to me and let’s come to a clearer understanding together.”  When I have left churches, I have pleaded with people, “Do not refer to Roy Beaird in the future, as some benchmark or guide. Refer to the Word of God and work with the new leadership to fulfill the purposes of God in this community.”  I have said and mean it with my whole heart, “I do not care if people remember who I am if they will remember the truth that I presented and allow that to transform and guide their lives.”  I am not the focus, God is.

Any sense of significance we gain from the recognition of others is fleeting but the fulfillment in serving God from a pure heart produces a contentment that is beyond human understanding.  So, whatever we do we need to guard against doing what we do for recognition of others.  My prayer is, “Lord make the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart pleasing in your site.  Guard and guide my steps and help me to decrease that you might increase in my life.”  

God, bless you as you empty yourself of yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fullness.   Walk in abundant blessings today!

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WHO LET THE DOGS OUT???


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Philippians 3:2-6 – “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, 4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.”  NASU

  

Most of you have either heard the song or heard of the song, “Who Let the Dogs Out?”  It was performed by a Bahamian group called “Baha Men” and released as a single on July 26, 2000.  It was not about dogs but men who women would consider dogs and in a great sense the idea here in Philippians is not about the canine creature but about human beings who are like scavenging dogs seeking destruction.

We have all seen the warning signs on fences, “BEWARE OF DOG” or “BEWARE THE DOG.”  We understood the warning to be valid and that should we dare to venture into the space inhabited by the dog of which we were being warned.  It could be hazardous to our health.  We might be attacked by a creature bent on our destruction.  I find interesting that Paul would begin his address with a warning about dogs and connected it to evil workers, and those who were false in their faith.  He was lumping them all into one basket and virtually every society understands the danger of a dog not tamed or one that is trained to guard or destroy.

A particularly unpleasant verse is Proverbs 26:11 where we are reminded that one of the natural tendencies of a dog that is quite disgusting.  He uses this illustration to compare that to a life that is not rooted and grounded in God.  I don’t know if you recall the passage in Psalm 59 where the Psalmist is addressing God’s punishment and judgment and the prayer for God to not show any graciousness to the treacherous.  The next sentence is, “They return at evening, they howl like a dog…”  In a pack of dogs if one decides to attack the others will follow and they will turn on each other following the strongest dog in the pack.  In Psalm 22:20 the dog is once again mentioned in a negative light, “Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog.”  Dogs are often used in the Bible to represent agents of destruction and we need to BEWARE of the lurking destruction the enemy plans for us.

I recall years ago, I was working an Insurance Debit and had to collect payments as well as sell insurance.  I stopped at one house and saw a dog pen away from the house and a dog was obviously angry and seeking to be freed.  After conducting my business I was walking back to my car and a hound dog came to meet me.  She was acting timid and I patted her head, then she rolled over on her back and I rubbed her tummy, not thinking anything was wrong.  I took about three steps toward my car and she nailed me behind the knee.  That dog was not what she appeared and fooled me, which is a rarity for me regarding animals.  The bite was bad but the sneakiness of the dog was more infuriating than the bite.  I should have been more alert and remembered the pen away from the house but I was deceived.

Agents of Destruction use deception as their primary weapon. We must always be on the alert and BEWARE of DOGS!  There are dogs in religious circles who are false and working evil behind the scenes.  They will appear as that timid cute dog that wants you to pat, its head or rub its tummy but once you turn your back they will seek to destroy you.  We are ignorant of the devices and schemes of the devil and this is another reason to put on the Whole Armor of God and Pray Always!

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

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I LIKE KING DAVID…


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Psalm 103:1-5 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”  NASU

 

I like King David, but so, does God!  After all, how many people is it said of in the Bible “a man after my own heart”?  (I Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22).  David’s simple recognition and open acknowledgment of God, His blessings and purpose are refreshing, especially in a national leader.  Oh, for that kind of man to lead America and lead in the nations of the world today!  The message of Psalm 103 is a message that needs to be inscribed on the forefronts of our minds and kept before our eyes daily.  It is a challenge, an encouragement, a revelation, a reminder, and a catalyst to faith. 

Some discount the value of ‘self-talk’ and while I would never want to go overboard on that front, I do believe that it is beneficial for us to remind ourselves of God, His Blessings, and His Purpose.  This is something that King David did regularly and a pattern that helped him become that man that God could say that David was “a man after God’s own heart.”  We all want to hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord” when we stand before God on that final day.  Anything that can help us become ‘transformed’ by the renewing of our minds should be of interest to us.

What are the reminders the Psalmist gives that we should remind ourselves of daily?

  • PRAISE is a Decision.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name…”  That is a directive David is giving to his inner man and his mind.  He is bringing every thought captive to the obedience of God.  He is making a decision that God is worthy of praise and determining that He will BLESS the LORD or PRAISE Him.

  • PRAISE is a Reminder.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits…”  This is a conscious decision to REMEMBER to REMEMBER and keep in the forefront of his mind the many blessings and benefits afforded to the followers of God.  In times when God seems a million miles away and we can sense nothing of His presence, we need to REMEMBER and be REMINDED of His benefits and blessings.  Having done all to stand we need to stand firm in the promises of God and trust His person.

What are the benefits that the Psalmist is recalling and insisting never be forgotten?  Remember this is written long before the Lord Jesus Christ came and died on the Cross.  It is a forward look to the day of Grace and an expression of confidence in the lovingkindness, mercy, and grace of God.  What are the benefits?

PARDON – – Forgiveness of ALL our iniquities and they are many even if we think that we are basically good people.  We have ALL SINNED and come short of God’s Glory.  We are all MARK MISSERS or SINNERS.  We have sinned and need forgiveness.  Remind yourself daily that He Pardons EVERY Iniquity.

HEALING – – He heals all our diseases.  I sometimes wonder if we truly believe this and if we understand that the Promise of God was healing and health and that Jesus bore the stripes in His body for our healing as Isaiah and Peter remind us.  God wants us to prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers.  I’ve told people for years, “you don’t have to be sick to die.”  God doesn’t need a disease to take you home so let’s believe for healing now for all who are sick and oppressed of the devil.  Let’s pray for one another without condemnation or question but in faith joining faith to faith and trusting the Promises of God, claiming this benefit.

REDEMPTION – – Not just salvation but redemption from destruction and the many things in life that would shipwreck our lives and make our existence miserable on planet earth.  We do not have to live in the pit of life, devoid of God’s mercy, grace, blessings, peace, and provision.

GRACE & PEACE – – He crowns us with His lovingkindness and compassion so that we can be people of grace as well as the recipients of grace.  We can be forgiving so that we forgive others even as He has forgiven us.  We are receivers of mercy and givers of mercy.

SATISFACTION & RENEWAL – – The old song, “Satisfied Mind” comes into my consciousness as I write and I have learned that the only true satisfaction and fulfillment in life is GOD.  His grace and peace bring a contentment that is unsurpassed by anything in this world and beyond comparison to anything in the natural.  Not only are we satisfied but we are renewed like the molting eagle and able to SOAR in the heavenly realm enjoying the Abundant Life that Jesus came to bring.

I like King David because of his simple faith and confidence in God.  I like him because of his willingness to boldly declare his faith and reach out to God in all things and at all times.  I like him because he “Remembers to Remember.”  Thank God for the promises and MAY WE MAKE THIS OUR DAILY ACTIVITY.

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

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GETTING OUR FOCUS RIGHT…


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Psalm 127:1-2 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise early, to retire late, to eat the bread of anxious labors— for He gives [blessings] to His beloved even in his sleep.”  Amplified

 

                        Jesus stated clearly regarding the Church that it is His and He is the chief builder. Paul identified himself and other apostles as ‘wise master builders’ and we are told that we are to be ‘laborers together with the Lord.’  Therefore, it is clear that we have a responsibility in building the church but the ultimate source is THE LORD.  Without Him, we can truly do nothing lasting.  We can build houses but they will be on shifting sand.  We can build ministries but they become dependent on personality and whims.  We can build political alliances but they wither in the heat of the battle UNLESS the LORD is doing the building and we are following His instructions.  The key, for me, is WHO IS BUILDING the House, GUARDING the City, and GRANTING the Peace.

In Proverbs 16 we find this addressed in a different way.  We read about the plans of the heart belonging to the individual and that most people believe their motives are pure.  However, when we come under God’s spotlight He weighs our motives and it is only as we commit our plans to Him that they can become established positively.  There is an amazing promise in that chapter that says, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  That is both encouraging and disturbing because we have all had times when we were truly attempting to follow the LORD and our enemies were anything but at peace with us.  In those times, I have done some serious introspection and examination of my heart, actions, and motives.  I also realize that the devil never makes a non-aggression pact that he keeps so we dare not take an isolated passage and shape our entire doctrine but we should take heart that if we are doing what God wants, when God wants it, the way God wants it and with the right motives we can claim that passage and expect it to be a reality in our lives.

In America, we have and are going through some strained times politically, relationally, and facing difficulty in many areas.  We are a divided nation and people and even among those who profess to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, there is division politically.  The divide has caused people to form groups, sects, camps, and cliques and virtually go to war with each other and labor tirelessly to achieve their objectives.  What we, believers, must always remember is the truth of this Psalm and recall the declaration of Daniel that it is God who ‘sets up kings and takes them down.’  I do not believe that all we are to do in life, any aspect is simply WAIT on the Lord to do it for us.  I believe that faith without works is dead or non-productive.  Yet, I believe that our first principle must be GOD. We must acknowledge His person, power, purpose, and presence and then we SEEK HIS FACE to get our marching orders.  We find out WHAT He wants, HOW He wants it WHEN He wants it, and WHERE He wants it and THEN we put on the Whole Armor of God and pull down the strongholds utilizing the spiritual weapons of warfare.  Incorporated in the spiritual battle we will find that we must do things in the natural to ‘walk out’ His promises and purposes in our lives.  We are ‘laborers together’ with Him not sitting as birds in the wilderness waiting to be fed.

I heard a young preacher declare once, “I don’t study or prepare my sermons, I just open my mouth and God fills it.”  I thought, “Yeah, with flies.”  In life, there is preparation and preparation always precedes blessing.  Remember the directive of Elisha in 2 Kings 3 where he told Jehoshaphat and the others, “make this valley full of ditches?”  Then next morning the ditches were full of water but the enemy saw it as blood and thought they had an easy victory.  Had they not made the valley full of ditches there would have been no water and not perception by the enemy that led to victory.  Preparation preceded Blessing and Victory! 

We are to acknowledge God first and foremost, then SEEK HIS FACE and after we have HEARD from Him we go into action.  We need to get our focus right and then our actions can be in harmony with the Purposes and Plan of God and He will establish them!

God, bless you richly as you change your focus and receive your blessing!

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PRAYER IS A VITAL PART OF LIFE… [A Further Look]


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Last time we looked at two powerful examples of Prayers in the Bible that produced a very positive result and that we can incorporate in our own lives.  We considered the Prayer of Jabez and what we call The Lord’s Prayer.  Now, I want us to consider a few more examples that will inspire our hearts and encourage us to engage more regularly and fervently in prayer.

JONAH’S PRAYER FOR SALVATION – Jonah 2:1-10.

Jonah 2: 1-10 – “Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said, “I called out of my distress to the LORD, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. 3 “For You had cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billows passed over me. 4 “So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight. Nevertheless, I will look again toward Your holy temple.’

5 ” Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me, Weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 “I descended to the roots of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, but You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God.

7 “While I was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to You, Into Your holy temple. 8 “Those who regard vain idols Forsake their faithfulness, 9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay.  Salvation is from the LORD.”  10 Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land.” NASU

Jonah had been given an assignment but he resisted and rebelled.  His rebellion produced a situation in which he was placed in a life or death situation and in that position and condition he prayed.  He recognized his rebellion and sin and as he repented making a commitment to do what God desired the answer came.  This is a reminder that even if we drift from God’s pathway if we will open our hearts and call upon God to repentance and become willing to be obedient THE ANSWER COMES!  This is a prayer for anyone who has resisted God’s will and gotten off track.  It is an example that that condition does not have to be fatal or final.  I call it the Prayer of the Backslider!

DAVID’S PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE – Psalm 3.

Psalm 3 – “O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. 2 Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. 4 I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. 5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. 7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.  8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.”  NASU

             If you examine David’s acknowledgment and petition you will find a powerful example and source of encouragement.  If you take David’s words and then examine the history of his life and exploits you will find cause for rejoicing and a renewed confidence in God and His incredible love and mercy.

HANNAH’S PRAYER OF PRAISE – 1 Samuel 2:1-10

1 Samuel 2:1-10 – “Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. 2 ” There is no one holy like the LORD, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. 3 ” Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.

4 ” The bows of the mighty are shattered, But the feeble gird on strength. 5 “Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger.  Even the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes. 6 ” The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 ” The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. 8 ” He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, And He set the world on them.  9 ” He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail. 10 ” Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; Against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; And He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn of His anointed.”  NASU

 

This is such an encouraging example of complete dedication to the Lord and a prayer that builds to a crescendo in faith.  She takes us systematically through examination of Who God Is and His Faithfulness.  This is a prayer that is subsequent to her petition and God’s response.  She is praying the promises and praising in prayer.  Prayer is not simply a petition it is worship and conversation with God.  It is to always be engaged in with THANKSGIVING!

I hope these examples provide a source of encouragement as you encounter various situations in life and in your daily routine!  God, bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

 

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PRAYER IS A VITAL PART OF LIFE…


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In times when I have struggled with prayer, I have sought out examples of prayer that worked in the Bible and found encouragement, challenge, and inspiration to ‘fight the good fight of faith’ in prayer.  If prayer were not vital in our lives I do not believe that God would have included it as a directive in the Bible.  If prayer does not ‘avail’ or ‘produce’ positive result, then it is a futile and useless exercise.  If I did not believe that prayer worked I would not pray!  I do not intentionally engage in worthless or meaningless exercises that do not work.  I prefer to do things that have a purpose and engage in practices that produce positive results.  I do not find it redemptive or beneficial to go through religious exercises that are only for show but without power and purpose.

Let me list a few examples in the Bible of Prayers that Produced or will Produce.  These are not listed in order of importance but as they have come to mind.

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ – 1 Chronicles 4:10

1 Chronicles 4:10 – “Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.”  NASU

             The name Jabez means, ‘to grieve, sorrowful.’  His mother named him Jabez because she ‘bore him in pain.’  His prayer has been used by many in Christendom and most focus on the first two aspects of it, ‘bless me indeed’ and ‘enlarge my border.’  He also asked that God’s hand be on him and divine protection keeping him from harm and pain!  The last portion of the verse is, in my mind, the most important of all – “And God granted him what he requested.”  HALLELUJAH!  That’s the objective of prayer – THE ANSWER!  He prayed, he specified what he was needing or desiring and GOD GAVE IT TO HIM!  Would he have gotten it without prayer?  I cannot say absolutely yes or no but HE DID PRAY and GOD DID ANSWER!

THE LORD’S PRAYER – Matthew 6:9-13

Matthew 6:9-15 – “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10′ Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11′ Give us this day our daily bread. 12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13’And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ 14 ” For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  15 “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” NASU

This is a powerful prayer and beautiful pattern for our daily prayer but tragically some stop at the end of verse 13 but we dare not stop there for verses 14 & 15 are critical as well.  If we begin with our petition we are disrespecting God so we begin prayer with recognition of Him, His person, presence, and power.  The Bible tells us that we enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.  Praise conditions our heart to shift our focus from us and our situation to Him and His Power.  We are to pray the prayer of submission to the will of God on earth and in our lives.  Then we pray for our needs and follow that with forgiving others.  We recognize the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged and pray for God’s deliverance and protection and conclude with recognition and testimony of His Purpose, Power, Person, and Name!  We anchor this prayer with FORGIVENESS, giving and receiving!

I want to address a bit more on this topic so I will stop here for today and pick up tomorrow with a few more examples of Powerful Prayer in the Bible!  God, bless you richly as you embark on today’s portion of your life journey. 

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