1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  NKJV

I have been concerned about the mindset of people, especially in America, for some time.  I read something recently that caused me to, once again, examine America as a Christian nation or as a nation that is truly thankful to God.  I still believe that the majority of Americans believe in God, the God of the Bible.  I do not know what percentage actually serve God with a whole heart, but I do believe that based on what people believe, America could still be called a Christian nation.

I love history and value books like they were gold mines from which I can glean priceless nuggets.  Reviewing our American history, I find that our first President, George Washington acknowledged his thankfulness and confidence in God unashamedly and without castigation by those demanding the mythical separation of church and state as a constitutional mandate.  In 1789 he proclaimed a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer” and implored the heavens to “pardon our national and other transgressions” while urging the citizenry to practice “true religion and virtue.”  He would probably be impeached and most assuredly censored today for such a proclamation and request.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln urged Americans to set aside the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”  Imagine that proclamation today and consider what the outcry would be from the media, the leftist, and activists.  Lincoln would have been ridden out of town on a rail, but he was unabashed in his willingness to acknowledge God’s hand in the affairs of this nation and our need for His help.

President John F. Kennedy said, “More than three centuries ago, the Pilgrims, after a year of hardship and peril, humbly and reverently set aside a special day upon which to give thanks to God.  They paused in their labors to give thanks for the blessings that had been bestowed upon them by Divine Providence.”  He then quoted the Bible saying, “It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord.”   That was America of old and the America of my youth and I long for a return to that attitude in this nation, in our churches, homes, businesses, and world.

I do not own, nor will I, this book, but it is used in schools to teach our children about Thanksgiving.  The title is “The Very First Thanksgiving” by Rhonda Greene.  One review of the book said, “This is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children about the original Thanksgiving feast but there is one caveat, this book nowhere mentions God, who is after all the reason for the holiday.”  The author carefully avoids mention of God in the presentation which is perfect for the politically correct who want to dismiss God from society.

Today we are witnessing an assault on the Christian faith and in a few months, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  My question is to whom or what are people giving thanks?  Children today are told to be thankful, but God is not mentioned in the equation.  It is time that we return to the basic principles of our faith and teach those under our care whom we are to be thankful to!  Sadly, we are, by our actions or inactions, giving thanks to everything but God and that is tragic and disastrous.

God bless you as you go through this day!

Judges 3:31 – “After him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel.” NASB

Some years back, I asked a group of young people what they could tell me about Shamgar and not one of them had a clue about him.  They had no idea he was a person mentioned in the Bible or the account of his exploits.  I read them this passage and then explained to them that an ‘ox goad’ according to what I understand from Middle-Eastern farming is a pointed 7’ long stick used for pushing cattle around.  Pretty impressive that with a ‘cattle prod’ this man slew 600 Philistine Warriors! 

We do not know much about Shamgar and he could possibly be the same person as referenced in the Books of Samuel as being one of the three, a distinct group of warriors of King David known as ‘Shammah, son of Agee.’  Many Bible scholars believe they are that they are the same, but since we do not have clear information on that I won’t make that leap but leave it as a somewhat obscure man who in the strength of the Spirit of God rose up and resisted an enemy invasion.  The last portion of the verse says, “…he also saved Israel.”  That is the important part.  He did what he had to do in the face of overwhelming odds to save his people.

Sometimes, the Bible makes it clear, you just have to ‘get your fight on’ and stand!  Oh, I’m not trying to make this physical because most of the time that would not be appropriate but in the spiritual, we must Do Battle and we need to realize that the weapons of our warfare and Mighty through God able to pull down strongholds of the enemy.

Yet, no weapon is of any value without the individual that uses the weapon.  It doesn’t matter how formidable the weaponry is, unless there is someone to use it, it is nothing more than just another implement lifeless and inanimate.  It requires a person!  That is what Shamgar provided when God stirred his heart to stand.  He provided the person and God provided the strength and ability.  He took what he had and defended his land and his nation against the enemy.  So, in the spiritual, if the enemy comes in like a flood then we need to anticipate that the Spirit of God is going to use us to stand against him.  He will take what we have and make us able to use it effectively. 

When the enemy attacks remember that the Whole Armor of God has no ‘backplate’ to cover the rear when running away.  All the armament is for the front as we are advancing toward the enemy not running in a frightened retreat.  Of course, the enemy can be frightening, after all, he is a supernatural being, but we are Mighty Through God!  We are More Than Conquerors through Jesus.  We do not have to cower in fear we are victors in Christ.

So, as you face the enemies and obstacles of this day go in the strength and power of the Spirit of God.  If all you have is your ‘ox goad’ take it and Stand!  God will give you the strength to overcome!

Blessings as you go through your day!

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.”  NASB

Most, if not all of us, know or have known of people who relished the spotlight and attention.  They did philanthropic deeds, put their best foot forward, and put on the dog (so to speak) when they knew they were being observed but when no one was looking they were quite different. 

I observed a professional athlete once, that when the cameras were on him, he was smiles and courteous even signed an autograph or two. Then when the camera crew went to another location, he was rude, arrogant, and dismissive of anyone trying to get near him.  Another athlete in the same event continued for a full hour talking to the spectators and fans signing autographs and learning something about the people.  One was all show but no substance the other was genuine on or off-camera.  I gained respect for the one and lost all respect for the other.  I won’t tell you who they were it is not important what they did is.

In Christianity, the Lord Jesus advised that if we practice our righteousness or ‘Faux Christianity’ to be seen and lauded by men we will be genuinely disappointed on that final day when we stand before God.  The words ‘well done my good and faithful servant’ will not be heard.  Jesus said that there will be no reward from the Father, the praise of men is all we will get in this life or the next.  You are what you are when no one is around!  It would be far better to be real, honest, and who you really are all the time.  That way you never have to be afraid that someone will see or hear you out of character or costume.

That is a philosophy that I adopted a long time ago for my life.  I am what I am at all times!  What you see is what you get.  I don’t change when in the pulpit, sitting in the pew, at a party, prayer meeting, or in the woods hunting.  I’m the same all the time.  That has not always been the case and I would put on a mask when I went to church because, after all, I was the preacher and could not have problems, be down, disappointed, or even battle depression. I was trying to be a spiritual superman! 

That became so tiring that one day the Holy Spirit arrested me and said, “You Phony, stop it!”  Of course, I protested and gave my well-rehearsed argument about why I had to be like I was only to hear the Spirit of God say, “PHONY! PHONY! PHONY You are not a Show Pony!” It took a few encounters like that for me to fess up and repent.  From that day to this, I am what I am.  You either like me or you don’t.  I never want to be rude or unkind.  One thing you will always find is that I am the same on a consistent basis.  I try never to wear a mask, hide behind some religious cliché, or perform.  It is too tiring and too hard to remember how you are supposed to be at different times and different occasions.  I just let the Holy Spirit reveal who I really am flaws and all.  I’ve been happier that way and frankly more effective than ever in my labors for the Kingdom. 

I am not and you are not a ‘Show Pony’ we are real human beings who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and we have flaws and shortcomings.  We face problems like everyone else.  You fail at times and you make mistakes.  Be real!  Be who you are at the level you are spiritually.  You are a work in progress and never forget it.  Ultimately people will appreciate your honesty and while there may be some super religious people who will be turned off by the way you are living in the real world, but they did the same to Jesus so don’t worry about it.

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

John 8:31-36 – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”  NKJV

You can be in chains and not be a slave or be without bonds and be enslaved.  Chains do not determine Freedom the heart and mind do.  Unfortunately, nothing we do will eradicate human bondage and men will enslave other men against their wills in the natural.  I can only imagine the physical, mental, and even spiritual torture that being captive brings.  My heart breaks for anyone who has endured that condition either as a prisoner of war, a human slave against their will, a hostage, or anything of the like.            

I know two men who, although captives, were never enslaved in their hearts and minds.  One was a Japanese prisoner during WWII and escaped the other was held in Hanoi by the Vietnamese and endured years of horrific inhumane torture and abuse.  Both professed that their faith in God and believe in the Word of God kept them Free although in chains.  They were and are examples of True Freedom! 

The only True Freedom is through the shed blood of Jesus and the Grace of God.  If we receive the forgiveness of sin and are born again, we experience True Freedom.  A person that is thusly free can be imprisoned, chained, and otherwise enslaved physically but they will Never be a Slave in their heart or mind because the Son has set them free!

Today, in America, we celebrate our Independence, and yet multiplied thousands are still enslaved in some form.  Enslavement of the mind is possibly worse than being enslaved in the flesh for if a person’s mind is captive the attitude and actions will reflect that condition.  Breaking free and living life to the full is virtually impossible because the mind is in chains to wrong thinking, victimization, and false premises.  But if we receive the Freedom that Jesus came and brought, we Cannot be enslaved.  Remember, if God is for who can be against us or as a friend always says what difference does it make who is against us if God is for us.

God bless you and Be Free in Jesus. 

2 Samuel 22:29 – “For Thou art my lamp, O LORD; and the LORD illumines my darkness.”  NASB

This verse is part of the song that David wrote after he had been delivered from Saul and all his enemies.  He was filled with thanksgiving to God and wrote this song to express his gratitude and offer his praise to God.  There are so many powerful declarations in the song, but this revelation has captured my attention and brings great comfort to my heart.

We all go through difficult times in life.  We all encounter obstacles and even enemies that want to destroy us.  Those enemies may be human or may be the forces of darkness assigned to trouble us by the devil himself.  No matter the source we can take comfort in the promises of God to watch over us, keep us, protect us, and guide us.  That is the focus of David in this verse.           

A lamp has the purpose of giving light and in the giving of light illuminates the hidden things lurking in the darkness.  It reveals the beneficial as well as the detrimental and dangerous.  It reveals the right path to take and exposes the potholes and pitfalls that are unseen when things are dark. 

In Psalms 119:105, the Psalmist declared, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path.”  The idea of a lamp is that it provides enough light for the immediate area.  A natural lamp only provides light enough to penetrate the immediate darkness, but David said that God was his lamp and that God illumines his darkness.  That is an expansion of the function of a lamp. 

God is a lamp providing illumination for the immediate dangers, pitfalls, and blessings we do not see but He is more.  He illuminates our darkness.  He is light and that light could be compared to the brilliance of the noonday sun.  We have both the Lamp and the Light so that we can see where to place our foot for the next step but illumination to plan for the future seeing into His purposes.

Lynda Randle sings a song that moves my heart every time I hear it, “God on the Mountain.”  The song identifies the ease of life when we are on the mountain and all is well.  On the mountain, we often experience peace of mind beyond anything we have ever known.  Then suddenly things change, problems arise, and the storm clouds roll in.  We find ourselves in a valley and it is difficult to see which way to go.  The song says that in those times we need to remember that, “The God on the mountain, is the same God as in the valley.  When things go wrong, He makes them right.  The God of the good times is also the God of the bad times.  The God of the day is the God of the night.”

When we are on the mountain faith is easy but when we are in the valley faith is tested and pressed to the limit.  It is easy to talk about faith and make bold confessions and declarations when all is well but when things go wrong it is sometimes difficult.  But, the God on the mountain is the God in the valley and if we will just come to Him, He will illuminate our path and guide us to the safe shore.

God is both a Lamp and a Light.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  He is the God on the Mountain and the God in the Valley.  He is God and always will be God!

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Him!

Psalms 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” KJV

Picking up where we left off yesterday discussing Perception, I want us to take another step in unfolding this.

PREPARATION – – You Must Prepare to Get Where You Are Going.

It is vital that we know the provision of God’s Word for our lives and calling. The Bible is, in reality, a tool, weapon, light, and resource.  It is vital that we know our spiritual inheritance and our preparation involves the mental, physical, and spiritual.  Our spiritual journey is one that is led by the Spirit of God or it will veer off course.  As we are anchored in God’s Truth. we are Free!

PROCEED – We must proceed on God’s Planned Path.

As you and I come to grips with our Potential we see the Possibilities and accept the Probabilities discovered and experienced through trusting God!  I do not know if God wants to use you in the mighty fashion of Moses, Elijah, Paul, John, Peter, Daniel, or some other biblical figure.  He may want to use you as the Church Janitor but whatever it is, He wants you to Perceive, Prepare, and Proceed!   If we do not move, He will not move!

I’ve heard Christians lament that they cannot be great overcomers and I have to ask WHY?  God declares in the Bible that we already are IN Christ!  Some have informed me that miracles are a thing of the past.  That causes me to ask, is God a thing of the past?  God is a miracle-working God and if He lives in us and is our source and resource then WHY NOT?

You are a Child of God if you are IN Christ!  He has a Purpose for your life which He is working to Prepare you for so that you can Proceed on the Planned Path!  Instead of lamenting and focusing on what you do not have or cannot do look to God and lift up your eyes and see that He Can and He is IN you, therefore you can!   

We need to be reminded of the words of James that ‘life is just a vapor, here a little time and then gone.’  Tomorrow, on earth, may never come for us so we need to redeem the time and take advantage of every opportunity.  I believe you are a dynamic and often untapped dynamo for the Kingdom and excitedly await the reports of what God is doing through and with you.

Therefore, as you go through your day go knowing Who you are and Whose you are!  As you do, Walls Will Fall! 

God bless you richly is my prayer!

Psalms 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” KJV

I was talking to someone recently and they said, “Everybody wants to live forever!”  The person meant in this life, not in eternity.  As we discussed that topic, I had to agree that many people, if not most people, seem to feel that they have enough tomorrows to take care of the things they didn’t do today.  Too often there is a complete absence of any urgency because there is plenty of time.  We used to call that Procrastination.  I’m not sure how it is termed today.

I have observed that there are a number of promises in God’s Word that are seldom claimed and stood on.  In that sense, people live beneath their privilege in God.  I’ve been accused of going overboard on God’s Promises, but it is my conviction that with each step we take in becoming more and more like Jesus there is more Power demonstrated in our lives, more Souls are impacted for the Kingdom, and more Victories are won in our lives.  That does not sound like a bad place or focus to me.

In this Psalm, attributed to Moses, he was interceding for God to remove the curse that every Israelite over twenty years of age would die before reaching Canaan, and in that he stated that most are dying at seventy although some reach eighty.  If we were to determine that eighty is our lifespan (I say that only for illustrative purposes) then we could divide our lives up into five-year segments and have sixteen of them to chart our journey through the maze called life.  Of course, we do not know what tomorrow holds so that would be fruitless but for illustrative purposes follow me.  How many have you used and how many do you have left?

What I want to stress is that Time is either a great asset or an enemy. Paul urged us to ‘redeem the time’.  Effective stewardship of time is vital to our fulfilling our purposes in life and being truly successful.  I believe that in order to fully tap into the resources, the ability, and power that you have, and God’s purposes three things must take place.

1. PERCEPTION – – You Must Perceive…

Who you are for the perspective of Scripture!  Initially, as Romans 3:23 identifies we were sinners in need of God.  In Genesis 1:26 we find that we were created in God’s image.  In John 1:12 we read that we are Sons of God based upon repentance.  In Romans 8:17 we are told we are heirs of God.  In Galatians 3:29 we find that we are heirs according to the Promise.  We are informed that the Blessings of Abraham are ours and if we read Deuteronomy 28, we find some incredible promises and then in Hebrews 8:6, we find that our Covenant is a better covenant established on better promises!

Therefore, in light of Scripture Who Are You?  If you have received Christ as your Savior, you are God’s Child.  Where are you?  What are your condition and your position in God?  I remember the illustration of the little boy that fell out of bed and when his father asked him what happened he said, “I guess I stayed too close to the edge.”  Move away from the edges and enjoy the blessings of God.

Where are you going spiritually?  If we know Who we are based on Whose we are we must realize the possibilities for our lives based on the promises of God.  We have great and precious promises for our Lord who has promised to never leave or forsake us.

I want to pause there and pick this up again tomorrow. 

As you go through your day God with God and He will go with you!   BLESSINGS!

Obadiah 2-4 – “Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be greatly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’  4 Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” says the LORD.”  NKJV

The prophet Obadiah was speaking of God’s judgment on Edom but this could apply to any nation or person if those conditions exist in the heart.  Pride is one thing that God seems to despise greatly and a condition that almost assuredly guarantees a fall.   Remember the warning in Proverbs 16:18-19 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”  NKJV 

The prophet declared that God was going to make the nation small among the nations.  A powerful nation would be relegated to second or third-tier status because of Pride and Deception.  Their heart had become so prideful that they were saying, “Who will bring me down?”   The prophet told them that God had seen what they are doing and no matter how great they thought they were or had been they were coming down!   That could be applied to our nation or any nation and any heart and life.  What was the key ingredient in Lucifer’s fall?  Pride!

What do we have that cannot be traced back to God?  What abilities do we possess that did not originate with God?  Our very breath is dependent upon the willingness of God to allow us another moment.  It is like someone playing the organ and as long as the fingers are on the keys there is sound but when the finger is lifted the sound dies away.  If God were ever to remove His finger from our lives we would be no more so instead of Pride we should walk in Humility realizing that it is all Because of Him and not Because of us!

It is in Him that we live and move and have our being!  It is Christ in us the Hope of Glory.  It is by grace that we are saved, through faith and not of ourselves.  It is not based on what we do but who He is.  So if you recognize even the smallest speck of pride in your life run to the Cross and cry out to God to deliver you!

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

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”  KJV

The NIV translates the word ‘know’ as ‘respect’. The NKJV translates it as ‘recognize’.  The NASB translates it ‘appreciate’.  So, as I take this passage to heart I do so with a view of the overall teaching of Jesus and Scripture as I understand it that fruit and accountability are important elements in those who labor among us.

I am to respect, recognize and appreciate those who labor among us I need to know them!  I cannot know them without knowing something about them.  I need to know not just their doctrine but also their activities and associations.  If the KJV translation of ‘know’ is like the biblical ‘know’ in reference to Adam & Eve and husband & wife, it would mean a very deep level of intimacy and that cannot occur on a casual basis.  It would require a connection of the heart.

I recall a joke that I heard years ago when an Evangelist wrote to a particular pastor seeking a meeting and in his letter, he said, “I want you to know that I am one of the 5 greatest preachers in America today.”  The pastor wrote back and said, “I am sorry but I never schedule anyone that I do not know to speak to my people and since I do not know you and our schedule is full for the year I will have to decline your request but you said you were one of the 5 greatest preachers in America today so I am curious, WHO ARE THE OTHER THREE?”   Self-exaltation is not a commendation or recommendation!

We are instructed in Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” NKJV In recognizing those who labor among us I need to hear what God says about them and what those who know them say.  I need to hear from those they are accountable to and in that light, I can offer respect and show appreciation.  That does not mean that you are never to hear someone you do not know for some only pass through but if they are to labor among us that would seem to suggest a more enduring relationship and therefore demonstrate a need to Know Them!  Sometimes you only find out who a person is after spending time with them and observing them.

I always tell people, check with those who know me best, and without fail, search the Scripture to see if what I say aligns with God’s Word.  If it lines up with God’s teaching accept it and if it does not reject it.  If I am in need of a Priscilla and Aquila to lead me into truth more fully then please do so with humility, love, and a real desire to bring me to the place of God’s best not out of a desire to ‘set me straight’ and demonstrate your superiority spiritually.  You may be but if that is your attitude it won’t get you far with most people.

As you go through your day be willing for God to put you under the spotlight of examination and be willing for Him to do so with those you labor with and among. 

God bless you is my prayer and desire!

Colossians 2:8-3:2

Ephesians 4:11-16

Colossians 2:8 – “A See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”  NASB

In Matthew 24:14 Jesus said, “This gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come.”  The Gospel of the Kingdom embodies the Life and Presence of God and confronts every root problem in our world.  What is Life?  It is not preaching hellfire & brimstone.  It is not preaching and focusing on touch not, taste not, or even do not.  It is not a list of rules and regulations.  It Is the Life of God!  It is the Kingdom of God!  I’m not talking about Heaven Someday Someway I am talking about LIFE NOW!

In a very reals sense, God has called us to Build Arks.  If you recall Noah’s generation was a violent, do your own thing world.  It was a crime and immorality-filled society.  The Spirit of Violence and a Partying Self-Gratifying Spirit go hand-in-hand. It is a lack of Spiritual Awareness.  The Ark of Noah was a Place of Safety.  It was a Warning to future generations who might be tempted to drift into the state of violence and perversion again.  It was a covering and refuge for God’s People.

Today, it is time for the Church (Body of Christ) to go into action!  It is time for the Church to Build and Be places of refuge and restoration in the midst of chaos.  It is a call to Radical Christianity and Lifestyle Evangelism.  

The Early Church did not march, demonstrate, picket, protest, or boycott. They went out and presented Jesus and preached the Kingdom.  In so doing saw miracles, people were set free from bondage, addictions, dependency, idolatry, perversion, etc.  They turned their world upside down and were declared enemies by traditional religion!  Theirs was a Radical Christianity which was really Normal Christianity by Biblical standards.  It was Innovative!  It was being interested in people and willing to Risk!  Beloved we have a Destiny but are in danger of becoming a footnote in Church history if we continue pursuing and being satisfied with Religious Fixes!

It is time to move beyond seeing and talking about the Vision to doing the Vision!  It is time for Action by the Unction of the Spirit of God and that will be called Radical but is really Normal in God’s eyes.  Our world is a world in chaos filled with betrayal, abuse, addiction, and inadequacies. We have churches full of people who are ensnared, filled with rejection, wounded, and full of despair!  Is there an Answer? YES!  But if we turn the problem over to the world to solve it will only get worse, not better!

We must see what God desires for us individually and collectively in our localities.  We must defeat Fear with Faith and reject the fear of failure, resolve the fear of rejection and failure, dismiss the fear of personal loss and cost.  It is time that we allow the Holy Spirit to so infuse us with the Power of God spiritually in our lives that we develop unstoppable and inexhaustible spiritual stamina.  It is time to move from the outer court and holy place into the holy of holies.

Sadly, we have a Consumer Society and have been condition to shop around to find the best Bargain, best Product, best Personal Preference.  We have been condition to instant everything and personal gratification.  We must become genuinely open to the directive of the Holy Spirit.  We must learn to deal biblically with practical living.  We must commit ourselves to work on relationships.  We must remove and reject flattering titles.  We must become willing and able to share our faith with others not just preach to them.  We must become worshippers of God and become people of action not just ascribing to philosophical ideals.

God has called us to be The Church and in being The Church we present, represent and manifest the Life of and the Living Christ to the World.  No more Religious Fixes but press into Normal Christianity which the World and Religious World will call Radical! 

God be with you as you go through your day!