Prophetic

THE BATTLE BEFORE THE BATTLE…


Spiritual Blog - Battle

Luke 21 – – I ask that you read it.

Those of you that know me know that “Covenant” is a driving truth and message in my heart and I find it difficult to discuss anything spiritual without getting around to Covenant and its importance and role.  In this Chapter, Jesus is talking about the “End Times” and identifying things that will transpire.  The key verse in what I want to focus on is verse 26: “men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” NASU

If we were going to embark on a thorough study of Covenant it would take a minimum of six to eighteen months meeting at least once a week for a minimum of an hour to study.  In that study, we would examine, in some detail, the various Covenants of God and how they relate to us today.  It is far too large a subject for me to attempt to bring any depth of understanding in our morning devotionals.  But, knowing that Covenant is the “Heart of God” for His people and the KEY to our BECOMING what He is coming back for, I must at least bring a few thoughts to the table for discussion.

What I truly want to focus on in the next few mornings is a matter that is critical for the Believer in our preparing for the Last Days Battles that we are and are going to face.  It is important that we come to an understanding of what “has” happened, what “is” happening, “who” we are, and the “time” in which we live.  We are in what I could call The Battle Before the Battle!  It is a most critical time for the world and the Body of Christ.  We must learn to “redeem” the time and “know” the time of our visitation.

Having said that, I contend that it doesn’t matter where you are in your spiritual development, this is important to and for you.  If you are a “babe” in Christ, a “seasoned” theologian, or a “fully matured” man or woman, spiritually it is important because you Cannot walk in the fullness of God’s Covenant if you do not understand the Covenant and its Foundation.

Therefore, you will find that a lot of what I am going to write is elementary.  It is Basic Christianity.  It is fundamental, foundational principles which must be understood if we are to “be” all we can be, to borrow the Army’s slogan.

Matthew 10:26-28    Jesus, instructing His disciples with regard to their mission gave them authority, power and warned them of the dangers and problems they would encounter.  He also told them “where” those dangers and problems would come and how to respond.

In our text we find in verse 36 – “… a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”  That is important because when you examine the Greek text for the word “household” you find the root [oy-kos] or family (kin).  It has a far-reaching possible meaning which could include the spiritual family as well as the natural family.  So, the attack may come from the local church, the Denomination, the particular persuasion, sect, tradition, or group.  There will be no loyalty, no covenant.  It will be an example of life with Self as the Center rather than Christ as the center!

Most of us have been taught that the devil’s greatest weapon is creating doubt, but I want to suggest that doubt is simply a By-Product of the problem, not the problem.  I believe that the devil’s greatest weapon is FEAR! 

Why would I say that?  It is because “fearful people” frequently make irrational decisions.  They can only see the problem (perceived or real).  They can only see the danger or the potential danger, not the solution.  Fear causes a state of mind that is filled with “hopelessness” and “creates doubt.”  It is Impossible to walk in Faith and Fear at the same time!

            Faith has Hope                                             Fear is Hopeless

            Faith has Vision                                           Fear is Blind

            Faith Trusts                                                   Fear Doubts

            Faith has Joy                                                Fear has Depression

            Faith has Patience                                       Fear has Impatience

            Faith produces Life                                      Fear produces Death

 Therefore, it is my contention that the opposite of Faith is not Doubt but Fear!  Doubt is simply the “by-product” of fear and fear is the result of Wrong Focus!   Fear comes when we view something that we perceive to be bigger than we are and out of our control!  It boils down to a matter of where our confidence lies.  Is it in Us or in God?  Fear is rooted in “self” whereas Faith is rooted in GOD.

I will stop there and pick up tomorrow with dealing with this problem.  As I depart I pray that the Lord walks with you and reveal any and all pitfalls that you will face on this day and guide you into His perfect victory for your life at this moment.

I speak Blessing and Peace to you!

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WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN I HAVE WRITTEN…


Spiritual Blog - Story of our Lives

John 19:22 – “Pilate answered, ” What I have written I have written.”  NASU

Most everyone knows the account of Jesus facing the judgment of Pilate and the Jewish Sanhedrin.  When Pilate caved to the demands of the Jewish leaders to crucify Jesus, he made a feeble attempt to wash his hands of the matter but took a parting shot at the Jews in the inscription over Jesus’ Cross.  He wrote or had written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”  That infuriated the Jewish leaders and they demanded that Pilate place an inscription of their liking in its place.  They offered, “He said, I am King of the Jews.”  Pilate responded with words that rip through my heart, “What I have written I have written?”

Those are piercing words.  I want to use them as a catalyst to address each of us personally and individually.  I ask, “What have you written?”  What is the story of your life by your own hand?  What have and what are you writing that is being and will be read of others regarding who and what you are?  The only time to correct the story is in the present while we are still alive on planet earth.  There will be no erasing the words or writing a new story once breath has left our bodies and we are ushered to the other side, the eternal.

Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians of a truth that we should all embrace and allow to motivate us and make us aware of our influence on others.  He said in 2 Corinthians 3:2, “You are our letter, written in our hearts, know and read of all men;  3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”   What you have written you have written.  Are you pleased with your story?  Would you like to modify, edit, change, or alter it?

If the answer is yes, there is a way and there is hope.  If no, then your story will be the story when you stand before the Lord in that final day.  Remembering that we cannot earn our way into heaven I do not suggest that you try to change your story to win brownie points with God.  That won’t work.  However, there is the declaration of our LORD in Matthew 16:27 to contend with and recognize, “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.”  There is also Paul’s contention in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 that needs to be recognized, “Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” 

You do not work to get into heaven, but you work because you are going to heaven.  You do not work to be saved, you work because you are saved.  God’s Grace is Amazing and His Longsuffering almost unbelievable, but it is real.  There are chapters in my life that I have attempted to rewrite and hopefully, the latter chapters erase the former bringing them under the blood of Jesus.  I was told in my early days of preaching, “Son, you are the only Bible some people will ever read, so what is the Gospel according to you?”  That was expanded upon as I was taught the importance of Always Being Aware!  Just as with children, they are watching, listening and learning even when we are unaware.

My prayer is “LORD, help me to not just represent you but to manifest you to the world.”  I can hire an attorney to represent me, but he cannot manifest me.  However, my children can both represent and manifest me, because that are of me.  If we are “In Christ” we are in a very real sense Christ to this world.  They do not see Him or know Him, but they see us and how we present him to the world is writing our story.  So again, I ask you to remember the words of Pilate, “WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN I HAVE WRITTEN.”  What are you writing?

I ask the LORD to watch over you, keep you and bless you this day.  May He guide your footsteps and blend your heart with His.  Have a fantastic day!

 

 

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I WONDER HOW MANY OF US, THIS SCRIPTURE, MAKES A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE…


Spiritual Blog - Uncomfortable

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 – “As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Don’t be a fool who doesn’t realize that mindless offerings to God are evil. 2 And don’t make rash promises to God, for he is in heaven, and you are only here on earth. So let your words be few.

3 Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool makes you a blabbermouth.  

4 So when you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. 5 It is better to say nothing than to promise something that you don’t follow through on. 6 In such cases, your mouth is making you sin. And don’t defend yourself by telling the Temple messenger that the promise you made was a mistake. That would make God angry, and he might wipe out everything you have achieved. 

7 Dreaming all the time instead of working is foolishness. And there is ruin in a flood of empty words. Fear God instead.” NLT

Most of us have either been guilty or heard long pretentious prayers uttered in Church and other settings and afterward felt a little unclean and sometimes a little put off what had happened.  If we were to find that we had an audience with the Greatest Person on Earth and the Wisest Person on Earth I dare say we would be very careful in what we said and how much we said.  It would probably be both intimidation and respect that elicited that kind of response.  Yet, amazingly, when we enter the presence of THE GOD OF ALL CREATION we are frequently not careful in the number of words we declare or the content of those words.

I have always found that Amazing because of the awesomeness of being in the presence of GOD!  My unworthiness hits me smack in the face when I enter His presence.  My limited knowledge is ever before me as I come before the Throne of God.  My finiteness is fully in my mind as I come in the presence of Infiniteness.  My weakness is so painfully clear when I stand in the presence of Omnipotence.  He “knows” my going in and my coming out.  He “knows” my thoughts afar off.  He “knows” the thoughts and intent of my heart.  Nothing hidden is that will not be revealed in His presence, so I wonder why we sometimes seem careless in our utterances before Him and our spontaneous promises we make to Him that we have not thought through and are not capable of carrying out?

The wisdom of this passage is so powerful that I have it written down and am working to have it inscribed on a plaque that I can keep in my office and before my eyes daily.  I want to “fulfill” the purposes of God in my generation and then I’m ready to go home but not one second before that accomplishment.  I want to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of your Lord.”  I want to see His face beaming with pride as I stand before Him, not see a broken heart when I look into His eyes over my wasted years and empty promises.

I have a passion and desire to see Everyone come to the knowledge of the Lord and enjoy the Liberty and Freedom that comes from being in the Family of God.  I want everyone to understand the Covenantal Promises of the Lord and learn to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their footsteps in all things.  I want GOD!  I know that you do too and that’s why I write this devotional daily and especially today.  Let’s make it our daily goal and objective to give Him the honor that is due Him and the reverence that He deserves.  Let’s make our lives an expression of Worship unto the Lord!

 I pray that the LORD will guard each of our hearts, footsteps, and provide us with everything that we need in this life in all areas materially, physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

God Bless you and as we enter the Christmas Season I pray that you will have a Merry & Joyous Christmas and a Glorious New Year!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WORD…


Spiritual Blog - Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16-4:1- “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  NASU

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it  not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”  NASU

1 Peter 2:2-3 – “…like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”  NASU

Before I accepted Christ as my Savior I knew that I knew nothing about the Bible or what it really taught.  Once, I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I still knew I knew nothing, but had an insatiable hunger for the Word of God.  After, I’d been a Christian for a few years I, like many, developed the idea that I had “THE TRUTH” and became quite a Pharisee.  Then, the Holy Spirit took me through a metamorphosis where I once again realized that knew that I Knew Nothing or Knew so Little that it was almost shameful and that realized that no man had a corner on truth and we should always be learning and growing in our knowledge of God and an understanding of Truth.  That’s one of the reasons that the Church is called a “body” because the body needs every member or part to function as a complete whole.

Each of us lives at a different level of understanding of “light” in the revelation of the things of God, so if we link together we have a composite of knowledge that is powerful.  Sadly, too often we attempt to either live isolated lives or attend churches that are so sectarian and such isolationists that we do not draw from other members of the body of Christ from various doctrinal reasons.  To me, that is a shame!  Hardly a day goes by that I do not learn something new in God or expand something that I already knew to a more full revelation of that truth.  That makes living exciting and makes the Word of God as desirable as the most delectable plate of your favorite food, pleasurable activity, or vacation spot.

The Word of God is our final authority on all matters, but not one portion of it is of private interpretation.  That’s what Peter was addressing in 2 Peter 1:20-21- “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” NASU 

We need to remember that we are not Omniscient, Omnipresent, or Omnipotent.  We are human and totally dependent upon God, His Word, and the Power of the Holy Spirit to live this thing called life.  We also need each other because we are The Body of Christ!   Therefore, I refuse to be exclusive and strive to be inclusive in my association and relationships with others who name the name of Christ.  We may not agree on all things, and that’s perfectly okay.  However, if we can agree on the very basic foundational principles that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God, who died as a substitute for our sins and is not interceding for us before the throne of God we, can work around almost anything else.  If we accept the Word of God as just that THE WORD OF GOD then we have a basis for working through all other differences.  There are some things I consider heresy as do you, but what if I’m wrong?  Should I not reach out to those who acknowledge Jesus as their personal savior and truly find out what they believe and share with them what I believe and maybe, just maybe together we can develop a more, clear picture of The Truth of God!

Something to think about as you stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords on this Lord’s Day and Worship!  Thanks for your continued prayers for my wife as she battles Stage Four Breast Cancer.  We treasure your love, prayers, and friendship.

Blessings from the Lord on this beautiful day!

 

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MAKE ME LIKE JESUS…


Spiritual Blog - Jesus

Psalm 25:4-5 – “Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.”  NASU

Have you ever prayed, “Lord, make me like Jesus”?  Maybe you have even prayed, “Lord, make me like Jesus no matter what it takes.”  Have you ever prayed for patience?  I remember once, praying for patience and it seemed that everything that could go wrong went wrong for about a week. I finally in desperation complained to God in my prayer and said, “Lord, what is going on?  I need help.”  I heard that quiet calm voice inside say, “I’m just answering your prayer.”  As I was about to protest and ask, “What Prayer?” the Holy Spirit said, PATIENCE!

I was asking for God to give me, as a gift, Patience.  It is not a gift, but a learned quality and He was giving me opportunity after opportunity to learn and demonstrate patience.  Since that time, I have been very careful in how I word my prayers and requests to the Lord.  His answers are not always the way we expect them.  I wanted something easy and learned, once more, that life is seldom easy.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 103:7 that God “made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel.”  The acts are the outworking of what has happened, the ways are the whys it is done.  God was teaching Moses His whys not just his whats.  He was developing in Moses the qualifications and qualities of leadership.  In teaching him the Ways of God, he was transforming his heart and bringing him to a new level of trust.  That was a quality demonstrated repeatedly in his dealings with the nation of Israel.  That spirit of trust and obedience helped keep the nation for totally straying off course.

Knowing God’s ways will enable us to take our stand on solid ground spiritually and will become a hedge about us to keep us from getting off course.  What are the paths of God?  The saying that was made popular a few years ago is applicable, WWJD.  What would Jesus do?  It is the cry of my heart to know God in a deeper measure and with a greater understanding than I have ever known.  I want to dwell in His presence and hear His heart in all things.  I want to know, in a greater measure, truth, His truth.  I want to be a spiritual sponge and drink in as much of the water of life as He will pour upon me.

The Psalmist asks for three things that he understands will produce life, peace, contentment, joy, and enable him to live victoriously. He asks, “O LORD; teach me Your paths.”  Let me comprehend the path of life you have ordained and desired.  “Lead me in Your truth…”  Pilate asked, “What is truth?”  Jesus said, “Father, Your Word is truth.”  We know that Jesus is the Word of God and our Lord declared, “I am the way, the life, and the truth.”  God’s truth will liberate us like nothing else and that freedom is complete freedom.  He also asked, “Teach me.”  Whatever I need to know, teach me.  Let me gain a comprehension of Truth and Your ways so that I might teach others.

He concluded with a commitment saying “Lord, you are the God of my salvation and I recognize my need for Truth, Your Truth, to know your ways, to understand your paths, and purposes so I will wait all the day!”  I will be like the deer that pants for the water brooks, I will WAIT FOR YOU!  I will cause my mind and my spirit to be still in your presence and LISTEN!

So, I pray, “Lord, make us like Jesus and let us be lights shining into the darkness.  God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!”

 

 

 

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JOHN’S MESSAGE ON TOLERANCE…


Spiritual Blog - Tolerance

2 John 7-11 – “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”  NASU [Emphasis mine]

This is more than a message on tolerance because we are to Love, everybody.  Yet, there are multiple warnings in Scripture about avoiding those who promote false doctrine and practice evil.  I’ve been castigated by well-meaning believers who tell me that no matter what a person believes, so long as they are sincere I should tolerate them.  Let me address that in two ways:

  1. According to the Constitution and Bill of Rights of these United States of America, Everyone, has a right to believe what they choose. They are free to practice their religion without interference from the government.  Of course, limitations might be imposed if their practice becomes a “Jones’ Town and Jim Jones” type cult that endangers the lives of multitudes of people.  Otherwise, they are at liberty to practice their religion.  So, in that sense, I tolerate Everybody although I may Totally Disagree with them and want nothing to do with them.
  1. Spiritually, biblically, and from a Christian perspective this passage will not turn me loose and demands that I adhere to “sound doctrine” regarding Jesus and His coming in the “flesh” and all that goes with that in the purchase of our redemption from sin. Oh, I’m well aware of the perversions that have been put out there such as “Jesus Christ Superstar”, the false theories that Jesus had sexual relations with Mary Magdalene and did not die on the Cross but was quietly eased out of the country and lived and raised a family in the European area.

Notice verses 10 & 11 in this passage and their unmistakable message to the follows of Christ.  If you are “in” Christ and believe that Jesus came in the “flesh”, lived a “sinless life”, gave his life a ransom for “whosoever will”, rose on the third day and is ascended to the right hand of the Father making intercession for us, and will come again to receive us unto Himself for Eternity, then this is a message to you.  If any group comes to you with another message that dilutes, perverts or denies that truth as presented in the Bible then John tells you how to respond.

  1. Do not receive that person into your house. (That is important because the custom in that time was to entertain strangers and wayfarers as a way of life always showing kindness and generosity). 
  1. Do not give him a greeting. (That goes directly to something that every Hebrew and then most Christians understood that comes directly from Numbers 6:22-7:1 – “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:  24 The LORD  bless you, and keep you; 25 The LORD  make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; 26 The LORD  lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’ 27 “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.” NASU)

If you remember what I presented on “The Blessing” it was important in the life of every Hebrew and thereafter many of the 1st Century Believers to have some speak the Blessing upon them when they greeted each other.  Here John is advising us to follow the directive of Psalms 129:8 – “Nor do those who pass by say, “The blessing of the LORD be upon you; We bless you in the name of the LORD.” NASU

There are many cults and false religions in the world today and from time to time some of them make their way to my front door.  I follow this passage and usually attempt to witness to them about Jesus, The Christ, the Son of the Living God and when I do they run like scared jackrabbits.  I would be the first to acknowledge that I do not know ALL TRUTH as far as interpreting the Bible, but I do know HIM who is TRUTH!  Therefore, I say without shame that I am a “follower of Christ” and believe that He “came in the flesh” and is truly the “Only-begotten of the Father” who died for my sins and through Him, I have Life Eternally!

I encourage you to make 1 Peter 3:15-17, a foundational principle in your life: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” NKJV

This is my prayer for you: “May the Lord Bless you richly as you go through your day in Him and give you a spirit of meekness and gentleness that exudes HIS LOVE so that all whom you encounter see Him in you.”  I do not suggest that you be mean, rude, or vicious but I do suggest that you KNOW what you believe and stand by those convictions without wavering!

May the Rich and Bountiful Blessings of Our LORD be upon you this day and every day!

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COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE…


Spiritual Blog - Honor

Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” NKJV

The event that prompted this devotional article was in a store the other day.  I had the misfortune of being behind a young woman in the check-out line that had a brat in tow.  That child was not only demonstrating incredible unruliness but disrespect to a level that caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand up, but I held my tongue.  The mother was clearly distraught and struggling with the cost of what she had in her basket.  I know that from her appearance, and what she said to the child.

The child was demanding several items that she had not put in the basket and she calmly tried to explain that it was not something that they could afford at this time and since it was near time to have lunch he could have no candy.  He threw a fit and said, “You b**** you are just no good.”  My face obviously turned red in indignation (righteous or not).  I had to restrain myself from speaking but I did and prayed silently for the mother and the child.  She had tears well up in her eyes but did not move with anger toward the child.  Her approach was to attempt to ignore his ranting which was becoming noticed by people in our line and several lines over and I could tell others were having the same reaction as I.

I will confess that if that had been me with one of mine when we got out of the store if we made it that far he would have experienced the board of correction on his backside.  Criticize me if you desire and think less of me if you will but I believe that there is a time for corporal punishment and that was one of those.  I cannot imagine ever saying anything like that to either of my parents.  It would not have been tolerated and I had enough respect for them to never go there.  Oh, there were times they made me angry and I totally disagreed with them but I never failed to “honor them” and “respect them” even if there were times when out of their sight I did not “obey them.”

My maternal grandfather lived to be almost 101 and one of the things that he instilled in me from the earliest memories of him was that you “respected” and “honored” your parents.  My parents taught me the same and my dear mother lived well into her 90s, so I have and have had visible examples of people fulfilling this commandment and achieving great longevity.  I do believe that God honors those who honor their parents.  I realize that some have had parents that are completely dishonorable yet still gave them honor as the parent.  I am not suggesting that you blindly obey whatever is said by a person of that ilk but you can give them honor without allowing them to negatively shape your life.  But to call your mother a “B****” is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!  That mother and child both needed help.  The child needed someone to get his attention and explain right and wrong and the mother needed guidance in giving “tough love” and “discipline” to that unruly child.  If she and her husband fail to do so that child is being abused in a way that is even worse than some physical abuse and I do not condone or tolerate that.  In today’s society parenting is difficult, especially in public because if she did what was needed she would likely have incurred the ire of some governmental agency.  But, that child needed some tough love and discipline!

Children – Honor your father and mother.  Parents – Teach your children discipline.  Family – help the younger parents be able to provide consistent, godly, discipline and in so doing you are LOVING THE CHILD more than you will possibly ever know.

May God be with you as you go through your day!

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PRAISE THE LORD, I See the Light…


Spiritual Blog - Light

Psalm 18:28-30 – “For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. 29 For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall. 30 As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.”  NASU

No, I am not talking about the Hank Williams song but about the declaration of the Psalmist and the cry of the heart of the seekers of God.  I don’t know about you, but I have had times in my life when I could not see my hand in front of my face, so to speak.  It was bleak, dark, and there was no indication that God was even hearing my prayers.  I needed direction and encouragement but during that dry spell there was no word, no encouragement, and the door was swung wide for depression and discouragement to walk in.

During those times, something would transpire to cause me to see a flicker of light breaking through in the darkness.  It was almost like Elijah praying for rain and the servant reporting there is a cloud the size of a man’s hand.  That was no indication, in the natural, that rain was coming, but Elijah, in faith, declared, “Go tell Ahab to get moving lest the rain stops you.”  What rain?  The rain he could see in his spirit through the light of God. The darkness was being penetrated by light, the light of the Lord.

The Psalmist declared, that God was lighting his lamp.  That is interesting because he did not say, that God was giving light, but that God was putting light into his lamp.  That indicates God was taking what was in him and his light would then light the darkness for others.  This so emboldened the Psalmist to joyfully declare, “For by You I can run through a troop; and by my God, I can leap over a wall.”  Wow!  That is boldness and confidence.  That is the product of God’s Light breaking forward in his heart and spirit.  As he could see, he could do.  As he could hear, he could say.  No enemy was sufficient to defeat him because of the Light of God illumining his darkness.

What is your darkness?  The Bible tells us that we are to “seek first” God and His kingdom and when we do, He will provide whatever we need.  Too often, when the enemy surrounds us with his attempts at instilling fear and doubt we need the Light of God to illuminate our darkness.  His light gives us confidence and boldness.  His light provides a peace that the world cannot understand and cannot take away.  When you know that darkness cannot stop you there are a Confidence and Boldness that becomes a Holy Boldness.

Why is this comforting?  Because we know that God is BLAMELESS in all His ways.  His Word is tried and proven.  His word never fails to accomplish everything He purposed for it.  It never returns to Him void or without success.  It is also comforting because we realize that He is our Protector and a Shield for us.  He is our Refuge!  I suggest that you read Psalm 91 every day for the next week and allow the Holy Spirit to infuse it into your heart and spirit.  You will come forth with a new confidence and boldness. You will walk with a new anointing.  You will refuse to be defeated.  Praise the LORD, I see the light!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day!

 

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WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FORGIVE – Myself???


Spiritual Blog - Forgive Sel.PNG

1 John 3:20 – “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”  NKJV

I have said, and heard others say, “I can forgive others, but forgiving myself is hard.”  Why is that?  What are the root causes of this phenomenon?  I will brave dark and troubled waters in this devotional and hopefully help myself and others to deal with this real problem.  It is a very real problem!

With the myriad of passages from God’s Word that speak of forgiveness, why would forgiving ourselves be a problem?  Considering 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  In Matthew 6:14-15 we discover that if we forgive others God will forgive us, but if we refuse to forgive them, He will withhold forgiveness from us.  Colossians 3:13 teaches us to be patient and longsuffering with others forgiving just as Christ has forgiven us.  Romans 8:1 declares that those who are “in Christ” are free from condemnation.  Ephesians 4:32, speaks of putting aside bitterness, anger, clamor, slander, and malice and exhibit kindness to others and forgive, just as God in Christ forgave us.  Proverbs 19:11, admonishes us to be wise through patience and demonstrate our character through forgiveness.  Those are a few of the many verses that speak of forgiveness.

Therefore, we know that God’s Promise is to Forgive and the powerful promise in 1 John 1:9 cannot be dismissed.  Although forgiving ourselves is not specifically addressed with chapter and verse in the Bible, it is there.  I am convinced there are some culprits at work in stealing our Peace and Joy through the failure to forgive ourselves.

God is not a respecter of persons and if His provision of Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness is not extended to some but withheld from others.  No, if we repent, ask His forgiveness, and turn from our sin, He has promised to forgive and never hold that against us again (Jeremiah 31:34).  Why then is it so difficult to forgive ourselves?  I believe there are several factors and one of the is TRUST.  Don’t boil the oil yet and turn me off.  If we truly TRUST God’s Promises and Provisions and believe that He has forgiven us, what is the problem?  The problem can likely be found in the fact that we either are not sure that He has forgiven us or in PRIDE.

Salvation cannot be earned.  It is not deserved.  You do not earn enough brownie points to become a member of the beloved, the family of God.  It is GRACE, through Faith and the Gift of God.  If Salvation could be earned it would not be Grace and Jesus would not have needed to go to the Cross.  It cannot, and we know it, preach it, testify of it, and hopefully believe it.  But, yes, I have put ‘but’ in the mix.  But if we have a latent tendency to believe that we must ‘work’ to please God and ‘earn’ his favor we will find it difficult to forgive ourselves.

Pride comes into the equation when we say or think, “I know better. I should have done better. I expect better from myself.”  That’s Pride.  That’s attempting to ‘earn’ your forgiveness and salvation.  That is making it more about you and me than about God and His incredible longsuffering and mercy.  It involves enacting a different set of standards or rules for ourselves than for others.  That is Pride because you just elevated yourself above others and said in that mindset, “I Am Better Than They.”  Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  When we fail to forgive ourselves, we open the door for self-destructive attitudes and actions.  We open the door to Phariseeism and become as the publican in Jesus’ parable, beating ourselves in the chest and declaring our goodness.

Wait, Roy?  How can I be self-righteous if I am failing to forgive myself?  It is because we are pridefully elevating ourselves above others and in a very real sense stripping God of His demonstration of mercy to us.  Some that I have encountered who cannot forgive themselves developed a self-destructive mindset, a haughty spirit, and lived in the total absence of Peace!  In forgiving ourselves we demonstrate to those under our influence that anyone can make a mistake and sin, but when we do we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous and HE FORGIVES!   We demonstrate our TRUST in Him and His Promises.  We demonstrate HUMILITY, not arrogance and pride.  We show them that failure in one thing is not defeat, but a temporary setback.

When we learn to forgive ourselves and fully Trust God’s Grace and Promises we find new doors for helping others.  Let me give you a prayer that I saw some time back and ask that you read it and if it resonates with you embrace and incorporate it into your life.

“Dear Heavenly Father, I understand that there is nothing to gain by holding myself in unforgiveness and there is everything to gain by releasing myself from unforgiveness and beginning the process of healing. I want to move forward and make a positive difference in the future. I confess the ungodly accountability, self-abasement, and the vows I have made to never forgive myself. Because Jesus died for my sins, I choose to forgive myself–to no longer punish myself and be angry with myself. I forgive myself for letting this hurt control me and for hurting others out of my hurt. I repent of this behavior and my attitude. I ask for Your forgiveness and healing. God, help me to NEVER again retain unforgiveness of myself or others. Thank you for loving me and for Your grace to move forward with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

God bless you and may your day be full and productive in Him!

 

 

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HAVING THE GOODS…


Spiritual Blog - Walk the Walk

Acts 3:4-10 – “But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” 5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene — walk!” 7 And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”  NASU

 Of the many thoughts that arise within my heart and mind when I read this passage this thought surfaces, “If you call attention to yourself you had better have the goods or the anointing to back it up.”  This is a marvelous story or account.  This is a beautiful testimony of the power of God, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the miraculous healing of a man who had been lame from birth.  That is a feel-good story that everyone should rejoice over.  But there is another underlying reality that I wish to address.

Think about the situation in which Peter and John found themselves.  There were hundreds and maybe thousands of people milling around.  Peter and John were going to the temple at the time of prayer. They would have been part of a very large crowd of people.  Many who were in that crowd were not believers in Jesus and would welcome any opportunity to not only reject the claims of the Christians but to imprison or exterminate them.  They were not conducting a church service in a congregation that was sympathetic or open to their words or deeds.  If they blew this, they were in deep trouble.

Peter fixed his gaze on the lame man who had been relegated to begging for his sustenance.  He was to be pitied and although often looked down on if someone harmed one such as he, they would suffer a severe penalty.  Peter’s words could have been considered, “hate speech” and “taunting” when he insisted that the lame man, “Look at us!”  The man’s heart probably leaped as he anticipated something wonderful in the form of a gift.  Why would anyone demand that he look at them if they were not going to make a special contribution to his plight?  Then Peter gave a heart-crushing declaration, “I do not possess silver and gold…”  WOW!  First, the man’s heart leaps for joy then falls to the lowest possible position as he heard that declaration.  What kind of cruel person are you, Peter, that you would taunt this poor man this way?

Peter went a step further and said, “but what I do have I give you…”  What do you have Peter?  You have encouraged his anticipation then crushed his hopes and now you suggest that you do have something.  What do you have?  That’s when Peter made a faith declaration.  A declaration and subsequent action that would get him killed or imprisoned if he failed.  He said, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene – WALK!”  That declaration would have earned him ridicule but he exposed himself to possible stoning when he reached out and seized the man by the hand and jerked him to his feet.  Peter, if he falls on his face, as the crowd expects, you are in serious trouble.  The miracle took place and the Power of God surged into his ankles and feet and he stood and leaped with excitement and joy.  A miracle had transpired, the anointing of the Holy Spirit was demonstrated and this man, lame from birth, now walked.

This man went with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God!  This got the attention of everyone and as a result, many turned to God.  I commend Peter in this he not only called attention to himself by his words and actions, but he also produced the goods.  He placed himself on the line based on his faith and confidence in the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God.  He was following the directive of the Lord in His commission of his followers.  Peter’s faith and courage allowed him to risk failure.  God honored his faith with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and a confirmation of His Word.

When was the last time you placed yourself at risk by standing on the Promises of God and obeying the Commission of our Lord?  I am not suggesting that you jerk people out of wheelchairs or off sick beds, but that you open your heart to God’s miraculous and become willing to say and do whatever He directs by the Holy Spirit.  On something less dramatic, “When was the last time you opened yourself up to tell someone about Jesus?”  What you have is what you can give and what you are to give.  So, let’s give and share this Salvation with the lost.

God bless you as you follow His guidance on this day and enjoy His blessings!

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