Spiritual

YOU KNOW HOW TO GO OUT – Do You Know How to Come In?


1 Kings 3:7 – “And now, O LORD my God, Thou hast made Thy servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.”  NASB

Some may think that question foolish, but I consider it essential in discovering how to live the Christian life, perform our spiritual duties, and lead in a godly fashion.  We know how to go out.  We know how to enter the battle and tackle the obstacle.  We know how to pursue the objective and may even know how to fight while we are pursuing the prize before us.  We may know how to achieve the victory and defeat the devil through the principles of God’s word and with the spiritual weapons of warfare.  That is wonderful and needful.

Yet, I wonder, do we know how to come in after the battle has been fought and the victory won?  I speak of that from two perspectives.  Do we know how to come in before the people and into the presence of God rightly after the battle?  Do we know how to come in, after we have experienced a major victory?  Some, become infatuated with their own ability, supposed spiritual power, and importance and come in with an attitude of pride.  God will never honor man’s pride. 

The Bible issues a needed warning in Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  In Proverbs 13:10 we are informed that it is by Pride that Strife enters the picture.  The apostle Paul addresses this issue in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who makes you different from anyone else?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”  It was Pride that got Lucifer kicked out of heaven.  It was pride that destroyed kings in the Bible.  It was pride that has caused nations to crumble. 

We need to learn to walk in humility and gratefulness for God’s blessings and provisions so that when we have won a victory. We need to be humble and acknowledge that we achieved it through and by Him, not our own ability or strength.  We will then cause people to see and desire Him and His help rather than elevate us to a more lofty position that we should be granted.

The second focus of ‘coming in’ is entering the Presence of God in Worship.  The Psalmist in 100:4 instructed on the proper way to enter the presence of God.  We enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  In Psalms 96:9 we read, “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; tremble before and reverently fear Him, all the earth.”  In Psalms 34 1-3 the powerful directive is, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  2 My life makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

I appreciate the sense of security we have or should have that God loves us and is our Loving Father.  However, I am often disturbed at the casualness in the approach of many to God.  I am told that even Prince Charles, in England, bows before the Queen and calls her ‘ma’am.’  I hear people call God “Big Daddy” or some other casual descriptor. He is not the ‘man upstairs’ and Jesus is not just our ‘buddy’.  We are talking about The Living God, the Creator of all things.  The Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. 

We are invited to come into His presence with boldness but that does not equate to disrespect or dishonor.  Would you approach the Queen of England or the President of the United States and say, “Hi doll, or hey, buddy or Mr. Prez.”  No, you would show respect even if you did not respect the person.  But, with God how can we enter His presence and not respect and honor Him. 

The disciples’ or Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6 we are told that our entering His presence is to be with an attitude of respect and honor Him.  “Hallowed be Thy name…”  The Greek word is “hagiazo” which means to ‘make holy, to hallow, honor, sanctify.’  Obviously, we cannot make God pure, He is pure, so our hallowing of His name is our recognition of Who He Is.

We need to know how to ‘Come In’ or ‘Enter’ His presence and when we come before Him in repentance and humility, He comes to us with Grace and Peace.  When we come before Him respectfully and with the honor and awe, He deserves, He comes to us with provision and blessing.  We need to not only know how to “Go Out” and fight but how to “Come In” and Worship and express our Gratitude and Thanksgiving.  When we do, we will be better able to “Go Out” in strength, power, and victory, and “Come In” receiving His enrichment.

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Jesus!

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THE WORD OF THE CROSS – Dual Effect…


1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  NKJV

I had a person send me a message on Facebook over a birthday greeting I sent to a mutual friend.  He called me some vile names and said, that I was a purveyor of hate because I promoted, in his words, “my invisible friend”.  I’m not sure how that was hate, other than hatred for sin, but He continued to tell me that I was offering false hope to people and thereby robbing them of the ability to live life freely and fully.  He considered my Christian blessing foolishness. He laughed at my declaration that I have experienced God’s blessings and the message of the Cross as the incredible power of God to transform. Truly, he was an example of this scripture.

After I returned home from the Vietnam War in 1968, I spent a year searching and trying to satisfy an emptiness in my heart.  I tried many things (not opioids) but things very detrimental to my physical and emotional well-being.  I even considered reenlisting and returning to Vietnam because I was empty and lost.  I had no one to talk to and when I tried, they could not understand the emptiness of my heart and my frustration.  Most of them were in the same condition I was in, Lost, and without God.

I encountered God’s love through people in Palestine, Texas at Westside Assembly of God and after several weeks of the constant display of that love, I received Jesus at the kitchen table of my sister’s house around midnight on a Saturday night, as I sat alone reading Proverbs 3:5-6.  The experience was incredible.  The weight of the world lifted from my shoulders, the peace of God flooded my heart and I was changed.  No, changed is not an adequate description, I was TRANSFORMED!  I was Born Again!

The Cross, the message of Jesus’ sacrificial death on my behalf and His resurrection, provided the Transforming Power to completely rewrite my life.  I have encountered people who believe as did Karl Marx that “religion is the opium of the people.”  They believe as did Friedrich Nietzsche, “God is dead” or that God does not exist. 

I have encountered avowed atheists who insist that there is no God and agnostics and followers of Gnosticism that insists it would be impossible to know if there is a God or not.  I beg to differ I have experienced Him.  I meet people who believe that a loving God would never allow sin, sickness, and evil to exist and therefore, there cannot be a God because a loving and benevolent creator would not allow pain in people’s lives.  They take exception to our message that God is All-Powerful, All-Knowing, Everywhere Present, and Loving. 

I love the apostle Paul’s retort to those who disbelieved and were attempting to discredit the message of Good News in the Gospel.  He said, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”  (1 Corinthians 1:21).

God’s love is immeasurable and the Father’s willingness to allow Jesus to be born of a woman, live on this planet which He did without sin, die for man’s sins, and rise again ascending to heaven to intercede for us is nothing short of amazing!  That is the descriptor of Grace – AMAZING!  No wonder John Newton in 1772 would write the incredible anthem of the Church, “Amazing Grace.”

God’s Amazing Grace is sweetness to my ears and my heart.  I was lost and He found me and allowed me to find Him! I was afraid and He quieted my fears.  I face dangers, toils, and snares, and He never leaves me.  His Grace is the doorway to lead us into the presence of God, bring about the New Birth, and lead us to our eternal abode and heavenly reward.  Hallelujah! 

Those who are atheists, skeptics, agnostics, and rebellious may consider the message of the Cross foolishness but those of us who have experienced the Love, Mercy, Grace, and Forgiveness of God know its Power!  

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

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SELF IMAGE – – Part 3


2 Corinthians 10:12, 17-18 – “For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding…

17 But he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord. 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”  NASB

What is God’s basic purpose for creating us?  I believe it is two-fold: That we could have fellowship with Him through His Son Jesus; That we could experience the full potential of Christ working in us.  If you expand those you discover some powerful and liberating truths that will produce a healthy and godly self-image.

John 17:3 – “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” 

John 10:10 – “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” 

Philippians 3:8 – “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” 

I believe that success in life is not measured by what we have or what we have done, but what we are and have done compared to what we could have done and could have been.  

The devil is aware of the potential that God has placed in each of us and desires to destroy that image in our minds or reduce the potential and realization.  I love what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:20-22 – “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”    Digest that and you will come away with a powerfully improved self-image and a healthy understanding of what God desires and has done.

The initial method of attack by the devil is to induce us into believe that God has somehow short-changed us.  That’s what he did with Adam & Eve in the Garden and continues to do today.  (Genesis 3:4-5).  The apostle Paul had some powerful counsel in Colossians 2:8-10 – “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” 

Before we were born, God prescribed our unchangeable features in harmony with His plan for our lives.  Job opened our understanding in Job 10:8-9 – “Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; Yet You would destroy me. 9 Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again?”  Then in Psalms 139:14-16 provides incredible insight and comfort, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

Isaiah warns us of the danger of wrongly viewing ourselves in Isaiah 45:9 telling us that it is insulting to God for the created to question God’s work.  We need to remember that God has not finished making us into what He desires us to be.  Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are (present continuous action) His workmanship and in Psalm 138:8 we are reminded that God will perfect or complete what He has desired and designed in us.

Can I insert that there is no universal ideal for outward appearance, but there is a universal ideal for inward character.  That is to become a reproduction of Jesus through God’s Grace and Spirit.  Happiness is dependent on outward stimuli, but Joy is not dependent on the external it is an inside job. 

If we learn to seek first (Matthew 6:33) God and His kingdom we will find that all things are added to us.  Then the comforting and challenging words of Psalms 117:15 are important, “As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake, with your likeness.”

God has a plan for each of us and only as we allow Him to help us develop a right image of ourselves can we produce to the fullest God’s plan in and for our lives.  Only then can our relationship and attitude toward God and others be complete and healthy. I pray for God to help each of us reject the lies of the devil and embrace our uniqueness in how God has made us and become who He says we are.

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Jesus!

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SELF IMAGE – – Part 2


2 Corinthians 10:12, 17-18 – “For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding…

17 But he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord. 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”  NASB

In the last devotional we were considering some visible signs of ‘self-rejection’ and a ‘negative or wrong self-image.’  We considered the matter of Over Attention to Fashion, the Inability to Trust God, and Excessive Shyness.  Today we move to a few more and hopefully, they will help each of us reject the wrong image and adopt the right image embracing our uniqueness in God.

Another evidence is Difficulty to Love Others.  The Bible teaches that we are to ‘love’ our neighbors as our selves.  If we are unable to love ourselves with a healthy love, we will also find it difficult to love others in the right way.  We may exhibit what I call poison love rather than the agape of God.

Another evidence is Extreme Self-Criticism.  If we focus on the unchangeable features of our bodies and complain about them inwardly or outwardly, we are clearly exhibiting unhealthy ‘self-rejection.’  Isaiah 45:9 addresses this, “Woe to him who strives with his Maker!  Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth!  Shall the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or shall your handiwork say, ‘He has no hands’?”  You are unique and are ‘in Christ’ therefore learn to be free and forgive yourself, God has.

Another extremely dangerous and revealing trait is the Wishful Comparison with Others.  I believe that extreme fascination with desiring to be different or like others in the unchangeable areas of our bodies is evidence of ‘self-rejection’ and a wrong ‘self-image.’  However, it is a healthy approach to desire to change the things about us that do not conform to the image of Christ.  Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 9:20, “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 

Another dangerous evidence is Harboring Floating or Lingering Bitterness.  I have heard people say, “I hate myself.”  That could be a reference to something they have done or said, or it might be a reference to some physical feature or their entire lives.  That can lead to the development of animus toward God, after all, He created us.  The words of Ephesians 5:29 are powerfully germane, “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.”   If we hate ourselves, we are expressing bitterness toward the one who created us.

A final example I will mention is Having Wrong Priorities.  When we neglect our God-given responsibilities in order to afford more time to pursue that which brings the accolades of others, we may be revealing evidence of self-rejection.  Craving the approval of others more than the approval of God is dangerous.  Galatians 6:4 tells us, “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” 

The opinion of others will not bring peace to your soul but will leave you in a state of constant anxiety wondering what they are thinking now.  We deem ourselves unsatisfactory and therefore our significance comes from the approval of man rather than the approval of God.  God’s view of us is that we are “in Christ” and “in Christ” we are whole and approved.

I want to take up God’s basic purpose in creating us and other things but will hold that until the next devotional.

May the LORD bless you richly on this beautiful day!

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SELF IMAGE…


2 Corinthians 10:12, 17-18 – “For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding…

17 But he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord. 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”  NASB

I suspect that one of the most significant issues in Christians today is having a wrong self-image.  I have encountered many believers whose self-image is either too high or too low.  There is a myriad of issues that spring forth from that root and help to produce and reinforce the wrong self-image.

If we have a wrong self-image and maintain it over a number of years, we become more and more comfortable with that view and if it is bad, it is destructive.  It can and often does create many problems in relationships and attitudes toward God, family, friends, future, etc.

I saw a survey conducted on a Christian College Campus.  They sought out the most attractive and popular students and asked if they were satisfied with their basic appearance.  Over 95% said, No.  Those students were aware of their basic sin nature and the need for salvation.  They had placed their faith in Christ and had been born again.  They were Christians.  Yet, they confessed to having continuing struggles with fully dedicating their lives to the will of God.  As this was examined it was discovered that those students inwardly reasoned that if what they saw in the mirror was an example of God’s love and creativity for them, they could not trust Him with their future.  They believed they were flawed and too imperfect.

They had a wrong self-image.  The Bible teaches that we should see ourselves through the finished work of Jesus and Christ. The condition of our heart is the measure of God’s approval, not physical appearance.  We must never measure ourselves with the external standards established by the world or those around us seeking their approval.    I wonder how many who are reading this if you were standing in front of a mirror and could change anything about your physical appearance would change something?  Don’t get religious on me, be honest. 

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” 

There are visible signs of ‘self-rejection’ and a wrong ‘self-image’ that need to be addressed.  One of the first and most notable is Over Attention to Fashion.  On the flip side, a lack of concern for appearance is a problem as well, but undue concern for fashion may be an attempt to compensate for unchangeable physical features a person deems unacceptable. 

Jesus linked those two conditions in Matthew 6:27-29 – “And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span? 28 “And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin 29 yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.”  You are created by God embrace your uniqueness it is His mark of ownership.  Celebrate your difference rather than reject it.

Another sign is the Inability to Trust God.  I have discovered that when a person rejects the basic design of God in how they were made they often have difficulty expressing confidence in the designer in other areas of their lives.  The idea is, “If God messed up this badly in my physical attributes, He may not be up to the task in other areas.”  Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship.  In Psalms 139:14, the Psalmist declared, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”  God took the time and care to make us, just as He did the flowers, mountains, and trees.  We are wonderfully made!  Celebrate your difference and uniqueness.

Another sign is Excessive Shyness.  The person that is petrified of what others think of them is miserable most of the time.  Sadly, many are paralyzed by the fear of what others think of them.  One can be meek without being petrified of others.  If we believe we are inferior to others and their opinions control our actions, we will find it difficult to trust God.

I want to address a few more visible illustrations of a wrong self-image and self-rejection that translates into a lack of trust in God.  We will take this up again in the next devotional.

May the LORD be with you as you enjoy this beautiful day, He has made for us!

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LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD – – Part 2…


1 Corinthians 3:1-9 – “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters are anything, but God who causes the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”  NASB

Let’s address the next two truths regarding God’s Harvest and the Church and our Position and Condition in the process.

GOD ALONE GIVES THE INCREASE.

1 Corinthians 3:6 is a needed reminder by the apostle Paul regarding the church and the ministry we are commissioned to engage in.  He said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.”  In verse 7 we read, “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”  Notice that he said twice that the growth is God’s work, not ours.  We are simply co-laborers with Him, doing what He has directed and lifting Him up.  We are not the growers of the church or the producers of the growth. 

I love the declaration in Psalm 126:6 – “He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”  You are important in this process, but you are not the most important and the growth of the church is not dependent on your amazing ability or persuasiveness. 

I had a person tell me once, “You saved me.”  I said, “Nope!  If I saved you, I would be responsible for keeping you and I am not.  God saved you and your allegiance is to God, not me.”  It is up to us to water and plant, but up to God to give the increase and bring to maturity what we have planted.  The harvest is His and we are workers in His field.

There are some dangers:  If we plant nothing and water nothing what will the increase be NOTHING!  If we plant and water in faith and obedience to Him what will the increase be FRUIT?  God gives the increase in what we plant and water.  We must move outside the confines of the four walls of our sheep shed and sow the seed of the gospel to as many as possible.  That’s our part.

WE ARE CO-LABORERS WITH GOD.

God chooses our field and our ministry.  There is a powerful reminder in Psalms 127:1 – “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.” 

I believe that our purpose is not simply to fill churches with people but to bring souls into contact with the living God and enable them to experience Salvation.  The Living God will transform their lives.  A church full of people is of no value and could be a nest full of headaches and heartaches if they have not experienced Jesus in salvation.  Success is not defined by the number of attendees but the number of people whose lives have been changed by the Grace of God. 

We need to be led by the Spirit of God as to where, when, and what we sow.  We need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to do the work of Jesus.  We need to be obedient to the vision God has established for the church and our location. 

God calls, commands, and provides.  We plant and water.  He gives the increase.  That was liberating to me as a pastor when I realized it was not my job to ‘grow the church’ and it was not ‘my church.’  I saw more souls born into the kingdom and the church (local) became stronger as I relinquished my control and followed His. 

God wants none to perish!  Jesus will have a church and it will be glorious.  We are not in competition with any other church or group, denomination, or sect.  We are Laborers Together with God!  I have discovered that God always works where He finds willing hearts that desire Him more than anything.  He moves where His people believe Him, receive Him, and obey Him. 

You are an important part of the Harvest of God.  You are a vessel filled with His glory and empowered by His Spirit.  Therefore, “Go Ye Therefore.” 

God bless you as you enjoy your position and condition as a “Co-laborer with God.”  Have a Great Day!

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LABORERS TOGETHER WITH GOD…


1 Corinthians 3:1-9 – “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters are anything, but God who causes the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”  NASB

My primary text and focus are in verse nine – “God’s fellow workers” or “Laborers together with God.”  I became persona non grata to some fellow ministers once when I challenged the use of the term “My Church.”  I have been concerned for a very long time when I hear and see the church world and preachers lose sight of the centermost part of what we do and who we are. 

The devil is a strategist and one of his strategies is to divert our attention.  If he can get us to become entrapped in the business of it all and become so busy engaging in the superficial, the minute, and our vision become misdirected he defeats us or hinders us.  If we lose sight of the whole and only see our part, our purpose becomes skewed and our effectiveness diminished.

When that condition occurs, we tend to expend our energies on secondary things.  If the devil can entrap us into small thinking, he gains an upper hand.  As a pastor, I heard, “We’ve tried that before and it won’t work.”  I’ve heard the argument, “We cannot do that because we are a small congregation, or we are not large enough to take on that responsibility.”  I have heard, “If it is the will of God, He will do it.”  No, He won’t!  I do not mean that God won’t do things independently of us, but if it is something, He told us to do, He Won’t Do It for Us!

Attitudes are incredibly important in life and especially in the work of the Kingdom of God.  Tragically, I hear conversations among believers that reveal they are defeated before they begin.  I have heard preachers talk about, “Building My Church.”  No, it is His Church and you cannot build it.  You can participate, but it belongs to Him and He is building it.  You are not doing a work for God your are laboring with God!

I have heard preachers say, “I want to grow my church.”  That is the wrong focus.  I am not opposed to church growth, that would be ridiculous.  I am opposed to focusing on noses and nickels and thinking that we must create a program or generate some excitement through our efforts that will attract people.  Changed lives are the focus of God not how many are assembled.  That won’t sit well with some.

There are three major truths that I would like to address in this and the following devotionals:

IT IS GOD’S HARVEST.

Matthew 9:38 instructs us to pray that God will send laborers into HIS harvest.  It is vital that we focus on the words, “His Harvest.”  He is the builder and maker. He is the creator.  He is the owner.  He is in control.  He is the Light of the World.  When we consider Who He is, any objection, doubt, fear, and hesitation become laughable.  There is nothing impossible with God!

I want to address this more but will pause until the next devotional to reveal the other two truths of which I spoke in the beginning.   It is God’s Harvest and I encourage you to focus on that truth.

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

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YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD…


Psalms 8 – “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth, Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens! 2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength, Because of Thine adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease. 3 When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him? 5 Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, and dost crown him with glory and majesty!  6 Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, 8 The birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth!”  NASB

I love the Psalms and the beautiful encouraging and challenging messages they bring to the hear of the Child of God.  If we attempt to compare man to God, we quickly realize how insignificant we truly are. If we press that to the nth degree, we would become overcome with a sense of hopelessness and uselessness.  However, God gives us truths in His Word that reveal that we are Important to Him.

I want to take a brief journey through some of those truths and list them for your consideration and encouragement:

  • You Are More Valuable Than the Creatures of the Earth.  (Genesis 1:26). 

Man was given dominion. 

  • Our Soul is Worth More Than the Earth Itself.  (Matthew 16:26)

What could we possibly give in exchange for our eternal soul? 

  • We Were Important Enough for Christ’s Blood to be Shed for Our Sin.  (John 3:16 and Romans 5:8). 

It was while we were still in rebellion and sin that Jesus went to the Cross for us.  The unmatched and often unfathomable love of God is demonstrated in God’s willingness for the Blood of Christ to be shed for us.

  • Man Was Created in the Image and Likeness of God.  (Genesis 1:27).

We are crowned with His glory. We are the apple of His eye.  We may feel insignificant, unimportant, and inferior but God values us as the prize of His creation.  If we look at His provisions, we should be awed by His incredible love for us and the incredible value He places on us.

God’s provisions are for man, not the angels or the animals.  The angels have not tasted or experienced this Salvation that we know.  God has given us dominion in the earth.  God has brought to us His Salvation and Forgiveness.  He has prepared for us an Eternal Abode – Heaven.

The warning of scripture is, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation.”  “If the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly and sinner appear.”  We have not been given the spirit of fear so we should never be oppressed by fear.  Our Father desires to give us the kingdom and His abundant life, free of guilt and shame. 

We are valuable to God, so I encourage you to look in the mirror every day and say, “I am Valuable.  I am valuable to God.  I believe that I am valuable, and I will live like it.  I will be the expression of His glory and manifest His presence in my life through obedience.”

God has called you to victory!   Have a great day in Jesus!

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THE LAW OF DOUBLE PORTION – (Part 4)


Isaiah 61:1-3 – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”  NASB

We have considered some examples of Double Portion in Scripture.  We looked at The Right of the Firstborn, Double Manna, and Double Rain.  Now we will look at a few more in our pursuit of understanding and implementation of the Double Portion Promise of God in our lives.

There Was The System of Double Retribution.  Exodus 22:4

This law kept crime at an incredibly low rate in Israel, when practiced.  I suggest it would also reduce crime significantly in today’s society if we did the same.  If something was stolen, it was God’s Judgment that the thief had to restore DOUBLE what was stolen.  That is Double not simply pay a fine or do jail time.  They had to restore to the victim double even if it meant they had to work for that victim until the debt was paid.

God never says, “Just grin and bear it.” He never says, “I know life is hard, so just tough it out.”  He says, “Double.”  You get back Double when the thief is caught and identified.  That is a powerful deterrent to crime and a deserved blessing to the victim.

There Was Double Anointing with Elisha & Elijah.  2 Kings 2:9

Elisha had served Elijah for ten years in practical service and apprenticeship.  Elijah knew he was about to be taken to heaven, so he asked Elisha, “What do you want me to do for you?”  Elisha asked, for a “Double Portion of Elijah’s Anointing.”  That is incredible.  The message should be, “Never settle for too little.”  Go for the double portion.  Elisha refused to be sidetracked and pressed in and receive the Double Portion Anointing.

The prophecies in both testaments declare that the spirit of Elijah will be at work in the earth before Jesus returns.  Elijah brought forth the Double Portion Anointing.  My question is, “Where is the hunger today?”  Jesus said that we are to ‘ask, seek, and knock.’  We must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  We must never be satisfied with second best but press into God’s best.  There is a harvest to be reaped and a double portion anointing is needed if not required to fulfill that mission.

There Was Double Restoration.  Job 42:10

God always and I mean always rewards those who suffer when pursuing His purposes.  If, for a time, you suffer then seek and expect a double portion blessing not a double portion of suffering.  There was no pride in Job. There was no self-sufficiency. There was trust and dependence on God.  This Double Restoration may cost something, but it is worth it.

There Was the Doubling of Talents.  Matthew 25:14-30

One of the servants in the parable was given five talents and through diligence and labor, his five became ten.  The master honored him with more because he expected and dared to use what he had been given.  Some illustrations of the Double Portion reveal diligence and faithfulness are rewarded.  Whatever God gives us, if we are faithful with it, it can and will become a Double Portion.

Each of those seven examples I have listed show us different responsibilities and possible dangers.  God wants us to understand this principle or law so that we can be people who operate in a Double Portion of God’s Blessings to bless and set others free.

We have considered the Inheritance rights of the firstborn.  We have seen the double portion of the Bread of Life and the Double Rain or Blessing.  We have seen the principle of that which is stolen from us being restored double.  We have the promise of a double portion anointing in our lives.  We have God’s promise of restoration of double when we have suffered and lost serving him.  Then we considered the need to diligently apply ourselves and be rewarded doubly in the use of our gifts and talents in service to God.

Hopefully, this has produced a seed of desire in your hearts to have the Double Portion God has promised.  I hope that each of us fully embraces the reality and truth that this is a valid desire for today.  If we do, it will motivate us to become radically different and determined to press into His presence and receive the Double Portion. 

Let’s become a Double Portion People.

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THE LAW OF DOUBLE PORTION – (Part 3)


Isaiah 61:1-3 – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”  NASB

Last time we identified one of the seven examples of Double Portion in Scripture, The Right of the Firstborn.  Today I ask that you join me in considering additional examples and hopefully, we will see the beauty and power of this Law and how it applies to us today.

There Was Double Manna – Exodus 16:5, 22-30.

For each of the six normal days of the week, the Children of Israel gathered provisions for that day.  If they attempted to gather more and horde up manna, it would spoil.  It got worms and rotted.  The issue was Trust.  Every day continually they were required to ‘Trust God’.  They could not have a nest egg or develop a contingency plan, they had to Trust God every day.  The sixth day was different.  Because they were to honor God in a special way on the seventh, He allowed them to gather a ‘double portion’ on the sixth day to take care of two days.

How does that relate to us today as New Testament believes?  Human history has been running a course for about 6,000 years.  We could suggest from a prophetic viewpoint that on God’s calendar one day is as a thousand years.  That would mean that we are living in the sixth day of God’s week of redemption.  If that is the case, then we are living in the Day of Double Portion of Manna.  What would that mean for us?  Remember Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.”  Double manna would be double bread, double strength, and double revelation of Jesus.  In John 14:12, Jesus said that we would do what He did and greater works because He has gone to the Father.  Greater could be deemed Double.

There Was Double Rain – Joel 2:23-27

Normally, the early rain came at the beginning of the growing season to get the crops started.  This was followed by a dry season and then the latter rain would come at the end of the season to enable the crops to ripen for harvest.

But, God says, “Now the rain will come all at once or a Double Portion of Rain!”  What does that mean for us?  There will be Double Fruitfulness and a Double Harvest.  In verse 24 the floors will be full of wheat and in verse 25, God restores the “years” that were lost.  That is amazing!  Then comes the incredible declaration in verses 26-27 – “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.” 

For those wondering what the rain represents I suggest we turn to Hosea 6:1-3 which reveals what the rain represents.  God says, “I will come to you as the rain.”  This is the Living Presence of Jesus in the midst of His people because of the outpouring of the Spirit of God.  It is Double Portion Anointing and Double Portion Fruitfulness. 

God wants His people to have abundance, not so we can horde up things and heap things on ourselves but so that we can manifest Him to the world and set the captives free.  It is for Freedom that we have been set Free.  We are blessed to be blessings.  God wants to give us a Double Portion!

I want to tackle this again but will pause here and pray that the light of His love will shine upon you and you will be enriched in all things in Him. 

Have a fantastic day in Jesus!

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