Spiritual

THIRSTING FOR GOD – – Part Two


Psalms 42:1 – “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God.”  NASB

We considered Condition Number One for having the fullness of God and His Spirit in the last devotional.  That requirement was Thirst!  If we do not thirst after His righteousness, we will not seek His righteousness or presence and therefore will remain in the condition we are in.

CONDITION NUMBER TWO – Come to Me.

That means the complete surrender of your life to do the whole will of God as you receive new light and understanding.  It is a total surrender of your life to Him!  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.  30 “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”  Then in 1 John 1:7 we discover, “…if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”   Never forget that He must have control or be given Lordship in our lives.  We must become yielded vessels available for Him to use as He chooses.

CONDITION NUMBER THREE – Drink.

That means the whole-hearted reception into one’s life the gifts, fruits, and operations of the Spirit of God.  I commend to you the words of Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 – “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries and the same Lord. 6 And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.12 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”  NASB

That is powerful in itself but when we couple the words of Galatians 5:22-23, we discover a wonderful truth and see the incredible availability of that fullness.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  If we question the desire of God to give us Himself fully then we must refer to Revelation 22:17 – “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” 

CONDITION NUMBER FOUR – Believe on Me as the Scripture Has Said.

That means to not only confess Him but obey Him.  Matthew 28:20 expresses that powerfully saying, “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  That is repeated in a measure in Mark 16:15-20 and expressed in John 14:15 where our LORD said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

In the Book of Acts on the on the Day of Pentecost the followers of Christ were together praying and awaiting the Promise of the coming of the Spirit.  We see this in Acts 1:4-8 and in Acts 5:32 we hear the words of the Peter, “And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Therefore, I contend that if we want more of God, we can have more of God. He is always willing!  If we want more of His Spirit and Anointing, we can have more. He is always willing!  The process is to become Thirsty, come to Jesus and Drink, then Believe and Obey!  My question is: “Are we thirsty?”

God bless you as you seek Him on this wonderful day!

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THIRSTING FOR GOD…


Psalms 42:1 – “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God.”  NASB

I believe there is a cry throughout the land for more of God in our lives.  Unfortunately, too frequently it is nothing more than a longing that sounds spiritual but has no corresponding commitment or action to bring it into reality.  Having more of God, being closer to God is not something available to only the select of the elect.  It is available for every child of God.  God wants all of us to come to His river and drink of the water of life.  We can have as much of God as we desire, there are no limitations!

Isaiah 55:1 – “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” 

Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” 

God has a river flowing, a continual river that will never be exhausted.  It will never run dry and is plenteous in supply.  It is a river that completely satisfies the longing of the soul.  There is a truth that we need to grasp spiritual, in the natural a river at flood stage purifies that river.  It washes away the debris and blockages.

The great truth is that when it comes to spiritual things, “Our appetites determine our spiritual condition.”  We eat and drink what we want because we want it.  If we want something bad enough, we will struggle for it, sacrifice to achieve or acquire it, and go to all lengths to get it.  It is the same with spiritual things.  If we lack spiritually it is because we have not become hungry or thirsty enough.  God is not withholding His presence from us.  He makes Himself available and it is up to us to press in and enter His presence.

There are some conditions to receiving His Spirit and fullness in our lives.  We read in John 7:37-39 – “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.'”  39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” 

CONDITION NUMBER ONE – We Must Thirst.

Thirst means the ardent, eager, famishing, keen, and all-consuming craving and passion of the soul for complete union with God and with the fullness of His Spirit. That is the message of Psalms 42:2 – “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?”  Then in Psalms 63:1, we discover the required passion of the soul – “O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”  That is echoed in Psalms 143:6, Isaiah 41:17 and Isaiah 44:3. 

The simple reality is, “if we seek, we will find.  If we are thirsty, really thirsty, He will give us drink.”  That is the thirst and determination of Elisha in 2 Kings 2 with Elijah and the double portion anointing.  He followed Elijah to Gilgal, then to Bethel, to the Jordan and refused to be denied or deterred from his quest to receive.  Joel declared that this outpouring of God’s Spirit would be “upon all flesh.” 

That includes you and me if we will refuse to be denied.  I want to deal with this a little more and will do so in the next session. 

God bless you and may your day be filled with His presence.

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A LESSON IN LOSING – Part Two…


Acts 1:15-20 – “And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 “For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry.” 18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead be made desolate, And let no man dwell in it’; and, ‘His office let another man take.’”  NASB

In the last devotional we discussed Judas’ right beginning and identified that he had what it takes to succeed.  Today I ask that you indulge me as we press a little deeper into this Lesson in Losing.

JUDAS ALLOWED SIN TO ENTER HIS LIFE…

Sin becomes a taskmaster when permitted to take root in the life.  Jesus addressed this in John 8:34 – “…whoever commits sin is the servant of sin.”  Paul emphasized this truth in Romans 6:16 – “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” 

Man is in one of two camps in this life.  He is either in the Camp or Family of God or in the Camp of the devil.  It is a matter of being lost or saved and there is no middle ground.  Even though Judas had enjoyed fellowship with Jesus he turned from that calling and began to allow the devil to guide his life. 

He gave place to the devil.  How many times have we either thought or heard, “a little won’t hurt”?  I am all for moderation but there is no moderation in sin.  Judas failed to deal with covetousness in his own heart.  He permitted sin to go unchecked and it gained control of his thoughts and his heart.  He became a faultfinder as he tried to hide the blackness of his own heart.  It could easily be argued that he experienced the pangs of jealousy and became envious.  Sin is deceitful and always tries to hide itself.  It attempts to elevate itself by lowering others.  Romans 6:23 reveals that sin has wages and its wages are death.  There is always a payday for sin.

JUDAS GOT HIS PAYDAY…

Whatever it was that drove him to his decision to become a traitor to our Lord brought about his destruction.  It may have been greed, covetousness, jealousy or something else but he became an instrument of the devil.  He may have been rebuked by Jesus or one of the other apostles and experienced a wounded pride.  I do not know what caused him to turn back but he did.

The material payment for his sin was 30 pieces of silver.  That payment brought him guilt that he could not hide.  It produced a regret and awareness that drove him to suicide.  Shame and guilt will do incredible harm in any life.  He traded his hope of heaven for 30 pieces of silver and what could be assumed as an eternity in hell.  He was forever stripped of what he could have had and been.  All because he gave place to the devil.  He allowed sin to enter and take root in his life.  Sin must be dealt with and no sin should be left unconfessed or unrepented of.

Judas got far more than he bargained for.  Satan is a liar and only tells partial truths.  Judas got caught in the devil’s trap and sold out for a small portion of money.  Tragically, some trade their souls for less.  It may be pleasure, power, position, prestige, or something else but nothing is worth our souls…  (Mark 8:37).

Today is the day of salvation. The promise of Jesus is that He is willing to forgive if we will come in repentance and believe!  I don’t know where you are spiritually.  You may be in a backslidden condition or never have received Christ as Savior.  If you will call upon Him, He has promised to both hear you and receive you. 

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

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A LESSON IN LOSING…


Acts 1:15-20 – “And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16 “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 “For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry.” 18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead be made desolate, And let no man dwell in it’; and, ‘His office let another man take.’”  NASB

Almost immediately upon hearing the name Judas Iscariot or Benedict Arnold, the word traitor, comes to mind.  Judas is easily seen as a villain as we are reminded that he sold our LORD to the chief priest for 30 pieces of silver.  He is, but it would serve us well to remember how he began.

In our own American history, there was a general in 1776 who led a regiment into Canada.  It is reported that by the time they arrived they were barely alive and still they fought bravely at the Battle of Saratoga.  This general was placed in command of the fort at West Point.  The British forces in New York seemed to be in peril but suddenly their fortunes turned when this general sent a secret message offering to sell West Point for 20,000 pounds.

Imagine that! A man that had saved the America cause at Saratoga, now willing to sell out the country he had risked his life for.  Benedict Arnold died a traitor even though he began so well.  What was the root of is fall into disgrace?  It is reported that he was extremely dissatisfied with the American patriots.  He married a loyalist and her influence was immeasurable.  He was deeply in debt and had been reprimanded at a court-martial for misappropriation of government property.  He began well but allowed the little foxes to spoil his promising vine.

JUDAS HAD WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED…

He was a man greatly favored.  I say that without reservation because he was handpicked by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles.  He was given the responsibility of handling the team’s money.  He was apparently respected and trusted by the group.  It appears that he was intelligent and capable.  In fact, he was not even suspected by the others when Jesus announced that one would betray our Lord.

Judas had intimate fellowship and a close association with Jesus.  He had exercised, along with the others, power over the forces of darkness, healed the sick and cast out devils.  I can state that as a fact because of Matthew 10:1 – “And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.”  Judas had experienced the power of God in his life.  Before anyone insists that he was a tool of the devil from the beginning we must remember the words of Jesus in Mark 3:23 – “How can Satan cast out Satan?”

This will be a sticking point for some but Luke 10:20 indicates that his name was written in heaven.  Luke 10:17-20 – “And the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 “Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you. 20 “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” 

Judas did not fall overnight and become the traitor he became.  It was little by little and the Bible calls him a thief.  Money was certainly a factor. Envy may have been as well.  Possibly, he thought Jesus was moving too slow in establishing his kingdom and Judas’ thirst for power and prominence prevailed. Whatever caused him to turn back from his devotion to Jesus resulted in his destruction.  His plight should be a warning to all that we need to ‘guard our hearts’ carefully and give no place to the devil.

I want to address this a little further and will address this more fully in the next devotional.

God bless you and may you have a fantastic day in Jesus!

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THE STARTING POINT – THEN GOD SAID…


Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God….”  NKJV

Every journey begins with a first step.  Every race has a starting point as well as a finish line.  Every theory has a first principle.  Every life has a point of conception.  There is a beginning to everything that we encounter and that beginning point is GOD!  Let me rephrase that, the beginning point in our lives SHOULD BE GOD! 

Our God is a “speaking God”.  He still speaks to hearts today.  Let me illustrate something from this Book of the Bible which I believe is the “seed book” of the Bible the Book of Genesis.  Consider how the following verses begin and what took place:

Genesis 1:3-5 – “Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” NKJV

Genesis 1:6-8 – “Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.“ NKJV

Genesis 1:9-10 – “Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” NKJV

Genesis 1:11-13 – “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.” NKJV

Genesis 1:14-19 – “Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” NKJV

Genesis 1:20-23 – “Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.” NKJV

Genesis 1:24-25 – “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.“ NKJV

Genesis 1:26-28 – “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” NKJV

Genesis 1:29-31 – “And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” NKJV

Each day of creation began with GOD SAID.  God spoke everything into existence.  The disciples, on one occasion, were astonished that even the winds and waves obeyed the command of Jesus as they were in the boat during a storm.  Like the old song, “When Jesus says it’s enough it’ll be enough.  When He speaks peace to my situation all my troubles have to flee….”

Sadly, too many either do not believe that God speaks today or do not stop long enough for Him to speak to them.  If there is anything more important than “hearing God” in our lives, I don’t know what it is.  It should be the continual prayer of our hearts to “hear Him” and “know” His desire and direction for our lives “in every situation”. 

God begins this whole process we call life by “speaking” and came to the Garden daily to “talk” with Adam & Eve.  He continues His desire to communicate with us in this present world.  So, I encourage you to ask the Lord to speak to your heart.  It is His desire to guide your steps and lead you in the paths of righteousness.

Jesus said, “My sheep know My voice.”  So my prayer for you and for me is that we learn, even more than we presently do, to recognize His voice speaking to your heart.  That we rest in the comfort that His voice brings and the peace that comes with knowing that we know the mind of God in any particular matter. 

May God Bless you richly is my prayer and guide you through every day of your life.  Blessings!

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A NEW YEAR’S DAY QUESTION…


Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  NASB

Now, the question to ask on this New Year’s Day – “What Are You Living For?”  That may sound strange when connected to the text I have chosen for this topic, but if you will permit, I believe you will understand.  I want to address the last words of that sentence, “to those who are called according to His purpose.”  The focus is His Purpose and that begs the question of each of us, “What Are We Living For?”

I heard a preacher reveal his technique for sharing his faith in witnessing using two very simple questions.  He would first ask, “What do you do for a living?”  The responses are always the typical, Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, etc.  We all do something or aspire to do something in life as a vocation.  That opens the door and then he asks, “What are you living for?”  That is a completely different world and there is usually silence because most do not truly have a picture in their minds of what they are truly living for. 

We are all living for something even if we do not know what it is or how to articulate it. The question is What?  Some people invest their entire lives pursuing wealth, some fame, some approval, some seeking love and to be loved.  The question is valid, “What are you living for?”  What is your purpose in life?  What is that which keeps you moving from day to day, project to project, and venture to venture? 

You are investing your life in something the question is what?  The additional question is will it be of eternal value or temporal?  Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do men say that I am? What are people saying about me?”  They gave a list of what they were hearing and then He asked the pointed question, “But what about you?  What do you believe about Me?”  Peter gave the timeless answer of eternal value, “You are the Christ!”

That recognition of that reality allowed Jesus to direct their thinking and lay before them His Purposes and the various paths they could choose.  In a very real sense, He was saying, “Now that you know who I am, are you ready and willing to take up your cross and follow me?”  He cautioned that the world would never understand what or why they were doing what they were going to do.  He reminded them that they could turn to this world, it was an option.  It was not a good one and would prove fatal, but they had the option.

I heard a powerful sermon about Jesus’ life and the list given would make Him a failure by this world’s standards. He was born in obscurity, never went to college, never owned property, never held public office, never wrote a book, did not have a wife or children, he made powerful enemies, and was crucified as a common criminal on a cruel cross.  That is not a picture of the pathway to success in the eyes of the world and much of the church.

If you are pursuing a career, your reward is that career.  However, if your life is the pursuit of a mission, you are laying up eternal treasures.  Someone said, “A career is something you choose for yourself, but a mission is chosen for you by another.”  The life pursuit called for in the Bible is never about careers but missions.  The Bible is not opposed to careers, thank God there are those who have invested themselves in various occupations.  The Bible is not against wealth, thank God for those who have amassed fortunes and invest it in people and God’s kingdom.

If we make our lives a Mission, we do not waste time as we do if we are only pursuing a career.  Benjamin E. Mays offered some valuable insight:  He wrote, “I have just one minute only sixty seconds in it.  Forced upon me – can’t refuse it, didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, but it’s up to me to use it.  I must suffer if I lose it, give account if I abuse it.  Just a tiny minute – but eternity is in it.”

C.T. Studd eloquently declared: “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only, what’s done for Christ will last.”  On this New Year’s Day, you may or may not make Resolutions, but I ask that you consider the eternal question – “What Am I Living For?”  I also pray that your response will become – “For the Purposes of God.”  I also pray that your declaration will be more than an offering of piousness without purpose, but that you will become a Matthew 6:33 person and you will ‘seek first, Him and His purposes.’

I pray that 2020 will be the greatest year you have ever lived, and you will see more accomplished than your wildest dreams, hopes, and aspirations.  Remember, “Only one life to live, ‘twill soon be past, Only, what’s done for Christ will last.”

Have a fantastic day and a fantastic year! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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FAITH WITH WORKS – Works!


James 2:17-26 – “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 18 But someone may well say, “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”  NASB

The belief that a certain type of medicine will cure a disease does not bring about the cure.  The medicine must be acquired and administered to have the desired effect.  Believing a certain weapon will bring about a win in a war will not bring about the victory.  The weapon must be acquired and used to bring about the desired result.  Likewise, the belief that God desires for His people to prosper and win souls dos not fill the alters or the purses.  Actions are required.  Therefore, I declare that “Faith with Works, Works!”

Caleb from the Old Testament is a wonderful example and illustration of faith with works that worked.  Consider his situation and the results and I believe you will agree with my assessment.

First, there was something that he wanted.  He said, in Joshua 14:12, “Now, therefore, give me this mountain…”  He had worked for this promise.  He had waited for this promise.  Now, he was ready to receive it. 

Second, he had a promise and acted upon that promise as seen in 14:9, “and Moses swore on that day, saying…”  As far as Caleb was concerned, God has promised him an inheritance and he believed God’s promise.

Third, Caleb demonstrated both determination and confidence.  He wanted what had been promised 45 years earlier believing it was rightfully his.  He knew that he had followed the LORD fully and that God was on his side, therefore he could not fail.  He believed that he could accomplish the task of dispossessing those now occupying his promise.  He was confident that if God said it, God would do it and that he could do anything through God.

In 2 Chronicles 20:20 we read, “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe in His prophets, so shall you prosper.”  In Hebrews 11:6, we find, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

If we expect to accomplish anything for God, we must not only believe it possible but DO IT!  Caleb’s actions are an ideal pattern for us to follow.  There must be an Object or Objective.  There must be a Promise and a Provision for that Object or Objective from the LORD.  We must have both Determination and Confidence.

I don’t do formulas, spiritually, but let me suggest that it is God’s Word plus Man’s Action upon God’s Word that results in the Miraculous Fulfillment.  So, I ask you, “What do you want to accomplish for Jesus?”  First, seek His face and His will.  Next, find the scriptural basis for that objective.  Finally, believe! 

God bless you as you embark on today’s leg of your life’s journey!

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WHY ARE THERE BACKSLIDERS?


Proverbs 14:14 – “The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his.”  NASB

You may never have asked that question, but I have.  It has troubled me in my years of ministry that some seem to drift away from God and turn back as a hog returning to wallowing in the mud.  Why would anyone, after tasting the sweetness and peace of Salvation turn back and away from God? 

Although I want to give a few possible reasons, I acknowledge that there is probably no definitive and exhaustive answer to the question.  That, however, does not preclude the need to ask and answer as best we can, “Why Are There Backsliders?”  If this helps one person avoid that pitfall it is worth the time and effort.  A healthy relationship with God is worth more than all this world’s goods combined.  So, let’s tackle this briefly and highlight a few potential reasons for this problem.

Number One, The Absence of Spiritual Leaders is one potential problem.  I find that in studying the Old Testament and the nation of Israel that when Moses stayed on the mountain with God too long for their comfort, they turned to idols.  Hosea, warned, “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.”  Jesus instructed in John 8:32, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”  The apostle Paul, in Romans 10 informed us that to believe we must hear and to hear we must have someone bring the word to us and in verse seventeen he said, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

The absence of Spiritual Leaders opens the door to a spirit of indifference.  When the ministry becomes more a profession than a calling that door is swung wide for the enemy to enter, discourage, distract, and shift the focus of the people.  When there is no clear proclamation of God’s Truth souls are left undernourished and unfed.  In that situation, new converts, if there are any, are improperly rooted and anchored in the Word of God. 

The need for spiritual leadership is incredibly important and vital for the health of the Church and the individual believer.  We need spiritual leaders who will fearlessly and faithfully teach and preach the Word of God, give guidance in holy living, and provide support and encouragement in times of difficulty, testing, and trial.  I have prayed for a long time, “LORD, give us more Elijah’s, Elisha’s, and Paul’s.”  We need more, true spiritual leaders, we don’t need more hirelings.

Number Two, is Evil Associations.  The Bible is filled in both Testaments with warnings of associations with the ungodly and evil persons.  We discover in 2 Kings 11 how Solomon’s wives turned his heart away from God.  Lot, in a major way, lost his influence on the inhabitants of Sodom.  Ungodly company, activities, and surrounds have a way of penetrating the consecration.  We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 to “shun the very appearance of evil.”

Number Three, is Worldly Success.  No, I am not opposed to success or trying to preach against personal prosperity in this world.  It is not just prosperity but success on any front that can open the door to backsliding.  Remember in 2 Chronicles 25 how Amaziah’s victories in battle opened the door for him to turn to strange gods.  Israel, on more than one occasion, turned to strange gods in a time when they experienced great victories militarily. 

With success comes the responsibility of stewardship.  Some have been richly blessed only to grow cold in their hearts and trusting the wealth and success rather than God.  If it important that we always remember Who prospered us.  It is imperative that we maintain an attitude of gratitude and honor the one who prospered us and follow Him fully. 

Number Four, could be Shallowness Spiritually.  I suggest that you restudy and rehearse the story of Jesus in Luke 18 about the sower and the seed on rocky soil, good soil, etc.  We need to invest ourselves in a daily study of God’s Word and allow that Word to become integrated into our thinking and being.  That’s why we need the full armor of God.

Number Five, could be Love of This World.  Paul lamented in 2 Timothy 4:10, “Demas has forsaken me for the love of this present world.”  We are warned in 1 John 2:15 to, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”  That passage reminds us of the truth that if the love of the world takes top place in our hearts and minds it crowds out our love for God, not His love for us.  The Scripture teaches that where our heart is that is where our treasure is.

My suggestion is, as you go through each day, ask the help of the Holy Spirit to keep your mind stayed on Jesus and keep looking to the author and finisher of our Faith.  Reject the offerings of this world when they try to crowd out the things of God.  Your soul is worth more than any momentary pleasure, vengeance, or monetary prosperity. 

God bless you as you press into His presence and live in the abundant life Jesus came to bring and has brought!

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GOD’S PROMISES ARE NOT IDLE WORDS…


Isaiah 48:17-19 – “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel,

“I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.  18 “If only you had paid attention to My commandments!  Then your well-being would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 “Your descendants would have been like the sand, And your offspring like its grains; Their name would never be cut off or destroyed from My presence.”  NASB

I know this was something that God said to Israel but as a child of God, I receive it unto myself as a promise to All Who Believe! Consider what He says here:

  1. He Identifies Himself.

He is the LORD our God.  He is I AM THAT I AM.  This is coming from the Redeemer, the Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and Omega, and our Provider.  This is not just anyone speaking, IT IS GOD!

  • He Teaches Us to Profit.

Our financial and economic well-being is in His hands, not the government, not our position, not our intellect, not our beauty, and not in the arm of flesh.  Our source is God and He “teaches us to profit.”

  • He Leads Us in The Way We Should Go.

His Word is a light to our pathway and a lamp to our feet.  We have the inner voice of the Holy Spirit that whispers softly and gently, “this is the way walk in it.”  We have His assurance that He will go before us and make the pathway straight.

  • He Gives A Stern Warning That Carries a Promise.

Look at verse 18 – “If only you had paid attention to My Commandments” THEN…

  1. Your well-being would have been like a river.  It still can be if we turn our hearts to Him and seek Him first above all else.
  2. Your Righteousness would have been like the waves of the sea. There is still hope if we “repent” and “return” to Him in total commitment.
  3. Your descendants would have been like the sand with the offspring as numerous as the grains of sand.  Our posterity can be a living legacy of God’s mercy, grace, and goodness.
  4. Your name would never be cut off or destroyed from God’s presence.  I will dwell in the House of the Lord FOREVER!

God does not make idle promises or idle threats.  He seeks our best and desires to bring us into fellowship with Him in order to enable us to walk in the Fullness of His Promises.

The sad reality is that too many fall prey to the gloom and doom that is prevalent in today’s society. They look at what man can and is doing rather than what God can and is doing.  It’s not by might or power but by God’s Grace that we make it through.  That does not mean we do not stay active and engaged in what is happening around us, it simply means that we Never allow “fear” to overcome us.  We are people who Have Hope because of our God!  There are enemies who would destroy us and everything that we hold dear, but we are More than Conquerors through our LORD!

Therefore, as you face this day and the days that follow “reject” fear and “receive” the Promises of our LORD!  Take them to heart and rest in them.  Then when you stand against the onslaught of the wicked you do so with Complete Confidence knowing that God is backing you up!  If God is for us, what difference does it make who is against us? 

May God be with you as you go through this day and bring great peace and make your way prosperous as you seek Him and His Kingdom!  Blessings!

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JUST BE HONEST WITH GOD…


Psalm 13:1 “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?”

Psalm 10:1 “Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?”

Psalm 22: 2 “Every day I call to you, my God but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.”

It is my deep conviction that the only approach to our relationship with God is, to be Honest!  If you are angry with Him, you might as well express it, it’s in your heart and He already knows.  Harboring it inside and not giving it release can lead to a “root of bitterness” springing up and not only will you be defiled but others around.  It is like a poison that will ultimately spread and affect your relationship with God and others.  On the other hand, if you openly admit to God how you truly feel, He can and will address that and minister to you, where you are, and bring you into an abiding relationship with Him.

Sadly for ages, too many in the Church have become experts at “wearing masks”.  We put on our Sunday faces but the heart is still the same.  We fool many people much of the time but we can Never fool God any time.  This is borne out by the writer of Hebrews in Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” NASB

If you are disappointed. If the prayer you are praying has not been answered in the way that you desire. If tragedy has come to your dwelling and you are less than pleased with God – Tell Him!  He already knows and can only help you when you get totally honest with him!  As long as you hide behind a pretend righteousness you will only decline in your spiritual relationship.  However, when you become totally honest with God you will find that He is Immediately on the scene with His “Unconditional Love” and “Immeasurable Grace” to minister to you where you are, in the condition you are, and at the level of understanding, you have. 

It is as I’ve said many times regarding my earthly father and his love for me.  I never questioned that he loved me. It was not until I was fully grown, had come back from Vietnam, and entered the ministry that I heard him say, “Roy, I love you!” 

I knew he loved me, and although I longed to hear it from him, it was not the way he was brought up and not the way he manifested his love.  Yet, the first two years of my life the doctors gave my dad and my mother no hope that I would live to be a teenager.  They could not find what was wrong with me but I was sick and not getting better.  The range of possibilities of what was wrong covered a wide array of possible deadly diseases. 

It was through my dad’s keen observation of events and the work of God my dad observed that when we left the Pasadena, Texas area and went to East Texas for a couple of weeks I would get better.  He went to the doctor and asked if there was a possible connection and the doctors advised that it was possible.  That prompted my Dad to send my mother, me and my little sister to East Texas to my grandparents for a month and during that time I got much better.

That reality prompted my Dad to quit the best job would ever hold in his lifetime and move to East Texas. For the rest of his life worked in much lesser jobs, but never complained about the sacrifice he made so that I could live. I always knew in my heart that it was an act of great love.  Thus, I suggest that even when you do not see what you think God should be doing, if you will look to the Cross you will immediately realize that God’s love is Never in Question. We question in our own human understanding but we must never question God’s Love or His Motives. We need to trust that love and be Completely Honest with Him in all things. 

Honesty brings a liberty that cannot be attained any other way.  In fact, it was when we “confessed our sins with our mouths, and believed in our hearts” that God brought to us the New Birth.  No pretense, no wearing a mask, just open and honest admission of our condition and our failure to measure up.  It was the throwing of ourselves on the Mercy of God that brought us freedom spiritually.  Therefore, Be Honest with the Lord and remember He already knows and His purpose is not to judge and condemn you but to bring you to Redemption!

        May God walk with you as you go through your day and bring you great peace!  Blessings!

       

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