Ephesians 5:17-18 – “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”  NASB

In hopes that I have not labored too long on this discussion, I will conclude today with a few more elements involved in the process of Knowing the Will of God for our lives.  We have considered the importance and necessity of being willing to do the will of God when we discover it.  We have considered the importance of presenting our total selves to God as living sacrifices.  We have discovered that God’s Will can be known through His Word.

Now a Fourth Element in this process we need to consider is Knowing the Will of God through Circumstances or Open Doors.  Some will equate that to chance but in God, chance and luck play no role.  Every circumstance is not revelatory of the Will of God, but some are.  Open Doors and Circumstances coupled with the Word of God and the nudging of the Spirit of God may be incredibly beneficial in discovering the Will of God for the moment.

The Fifth Element in this process is Submission to the Holy Spirit.  Remember we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus identified Him as our guide into all truth.  If we do not develop a personal relationship with Him, we will not recognize His voice or His leading. That involves a total submission of our lives to God and an openness to being led by His Spirit into Truth, All Truth!

The Sixth and Final Element I will mention is we will know the Will of God when we Truly Know God.  I suggest that you examine the biblical use of the word “know.”  Remember when the angel came to Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus?  She said, “How can this be seeing I Know Not a man?”  The Bible says that “Adam knew his wife Eve and she conceived.”  The same meaning is used in Philippians 3:10 when Paul said, “That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection.” 

This is speaking of becoming one with God and His Word.  To know someone, anyone you must spend time with them.  If we know God in that deep abiding relationship desired by the Father, we can and will know his will because He is eager to make it known to us.  If you are having difficulty knowing God’s will then run to the Cross and present, yourself anew to God as a Living Sacrifice in Complete Surrender. 

I ask you to remind yourself that it is more beneficial to God and His Purpose for you and me to know His will than for us to be in the dark about it.  The knowledge of God’s will produces peace, although that knowledge and that peace may not be instantaneous.  It is in our total and complete willingness to do whatever He wills that frees our hearts from the hindrances to knowing and enables us to pray more freely and effectively.  The Will of God will always be in harmony with the Word of God.  Our desire should be to know God’s will for the purpose of being the greatest asset we can to His Kingdom and Purpose on Earth. 

I suggest that you always ask, “Will what I do be spiritually beneficial?  Will it help to promote the Kingdom of God and the Cause of Christ?  Will, it better me and those I influence?  What are the long-range effects and benefits of what I plan to do?”

            Then pray, “LORD, whatever You desire, I want and am willing to do.”  I believe if you pray that from your heart, God will make His will perfectly clear to you.  Let me add one small addendum and ask, “What is it that tugs at your heart the most in life?”  I believe that as you discover that, providing it is wholesome and godly, will help reveal God’s purpose and call for you.

Have a great day in Him!

Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”  NASB

I don’t like my title because I don’t believe in formulas in spiritual things.  That being said, it is germane to the discussion of spiritual victory in today’s world.  The apostle Paul charged us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”  That is a big hill to climb for many people who are followers of our LORD.

It is not always easy to keep from being discouraged when things do not go well.  That is especially true when the floods of difficulty come.  We’ve all said, “Well, when it rains it pours” in referring to difficulty.  Problems seem to come on top of problems in life.  When that happens, faith may sag to a low ebb at the very time you need it the most.  It is in times like that we want to throw in the towel, give up, and quit or slack up and run for cover. 

In this passage, we find God’s prescription for victorious living.  He gives us Instruction, a Promise, and a Condition.  All three are incredibly important to understand.  I ask that you embark on a brief journey with me into the realm of the supernatural and God’s Abundant Life.

First, we consider The Instruction.  In the KJV it reads, “let us not be weary in well-doing…”  The word weary implies a total emptiness of focus and energy.  It could be said, “to be spiritless.”  This directive or instruction is not easy to pursue when we have tried, and no visible result has transpired.  We have tried, but conditions have worsened.  Imagine the plight of the apostle Paul as recorded in 2 Corinthians 11.  I urge you to read verses 24-28 again and meditate on his situation. 

Once you have done that, I ask that you join me in considering our own ministries and motives.  We can keep going if…  If what?  We can endure incredible difficult if our motive for doing what we do is for God’s Glory, not personal gain or ease.  Years ago, when the church I was leading saw dozens of souls born into the kingdom.  One man opposed me and was influential enough in the church that, despite the budding revival, some wanted to oust me.  This man was motivated by jealousy and even threatened me physically.  I met with him, recognized his ministry publicly, prayed for him and with him and he persisted.  I wanted to walk away but God opened a door of ministry that I could not ignore.  Had I given up the church would have suffered, and some souls would not have been won for Jesus. 

Why do you do what you do?  No matter your job, calling, vocation, task, position or condition, the Why is incredibly important and will determine whether or not you persist with faith.  If you are doing what you do, “as unto the LORD,” take heart and refuse to give up for God will not fail.  He has the answer to your predicament or trial.

Second, we need to consider The Promise.  “…for in due season, we shall reap…”  In the Book of Ecclesiastes, we find in 3:1 a powerful statement, “To every this there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” 

Tragically for many, God’s timing does not fit their preconceived notion of how things should be.  I have found in my 50 years of ministry that God’s timing is perfect.  It may seem late to me but in the scheme of things, He is always right on time.  He may be working on people or conditions that you were totally unaware and needed the time to bring it all together for His Glory and the best good of all concerned. 

The time of reaping is coming if we refuse to give up.  There is going to be a harvest.  What we sow we reap.  If we have been sowing in ‘well-doing’ that harvest will be good.  Due season is provisional, but it comes.

Finally, we need to consider The Condition.  “if we faint not…”  It is the one who finishes the course or the race that gets the prize.  This is the place in the process where we can void the Promise of God and abort our harvest of good.  Our receiving the Promise is conditional upon this provision – We Must Not Faint.  We Must Not Give Up.  We Must Not Quit.  Live every day of your life with the end in view.

I read a poem early in my ministry and have used it many times.  I want to share it with you as I conclude.  It is entitled “Made of Right Stuff.”   

“A little brown cork fell into the path of a whale who lashed it down with his angry tail. 

But in spite of its blows, it quickly arose and floated serenely before his nose.

Said the cork to the whale, ‘You may flap, sputter, and frown, but you will never, never keep me down. 

For I’m made of the stuff that is buoyant enough to float instead of drown.” 

What are you made of?  In Jesus, you are made of the stuff that is buoyant enough to float instead of drown!  God bless you as you persevere in His Promises and Presence. 

Have a Great Day!

Matthew 21:28-32 – “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “And he answered and said, ‘I will, sir’; and he did not go. 30 “And he came to the second and said the same thing. But he answered and said, ‘I will not’; yet he afterward regretted it and went. 31 “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The latter.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax-gatherers and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you. 32 “For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax-gatherers and harlots did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.”  NASB

Yesterday, we considered the Father’s request and the basis for his plea.  Today I want to consider the Response of the Sons.  Each of the two sons responded differently.  The first son informed his father that he would not fulfill his request.  I can only imagine saying that to my own father.  The result would not have been good.  He said, “I will not!”  His words convey a spirit of selfish indifference and possibly entitlement.  After all, he was a member of the family who hired laborers for the vineyard, so why should he work.  It was beneath him, in his mind.

How many times have we put off doing what our heavenly Father asks us to do?  How many times have we said, by our actions, “I have something else that I would rather be doing and have no time for your work.”  Selfishness in a Christian is deadly.  A person professing to be a Christian and has no concern for the perishing millions or the Father’s will is living dangerously.  The words of this son reveal a rebellious heart!

The other son was quick to say, “I will do what you ask.”  His words speak of respect.  However, his actions reveal that he may have been consenting out of fear, not love.  His words are smoother than butter and dripping with the honey of obedience.  His quick decision and consent are what God desires in all His children.

But, the Actions of the two sons contradict their words.  I have found that there is often a vast difference between a man’s profession and his living or actions.  Saying is not doing!  When Jesus rehearsed the account to that crowd of dissenters and discontents, He asked, “Which of the two did the will of their father?”  That was a mirror that should have been impossible for them to avoid.

The Rebel repented and obeyed and the other that promised Obedience failed to follow through.  Those who fail to go into the field of service at the bidding of the Father are rebels.  The Bible tells us that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and there no peace for the wicked. 

Jesus said, in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”  God does not need, nor does he desire bench warmers in His service.  You may not preach to multitudes, but you can share the Good News with your neighbor or someone.  God is less interested in our Profession than our Action.

Remember the words of Jesus in John 4:35-38 – “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36 “Already he who reaps is receiving wages, and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 “For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ 38 “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” 

God is calling each of us today, what will our response be?  Will we be son or daughter number one or number two?  Our actions always speak much louder than our words.  God is looking for a little less talk and a lot more action. 

I pray that you have a fantastic day in Him as you discover more and more of His blessings in your life!

Matthew 21:28-32 – “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “And he answered and said, ‘I will, sir’; and he did not go. 30 “And he came to the second and said the same thing. But he answered and said, ‘I will not’; yet he afterward regretted it and went. 31 “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The latter.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax-gatherers and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you. 32 “For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax-gatherers and harlots did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.”  NASB

Just prior to this passage, Jesus had been challenged by a self-righteous group of spiritual vagabonds.  They questioned His authority to do the things He had done.  Jesus used this parable as a mirror trying to help them see their own sins and shortcomings.  The way to understanding the authority of Christ is to see our real state before Him.  Those who pride themselves in their own supposed goodness will remain ignorant of His true authority and saving power.  When we come to the end of ourselves, we find His Grace sufficient.

This unique parable reveals what God truly wants from us.  That is Actions, not Words!  I ask that you take a brief journey with me through the account and hopefully we can discover or mine the nuggets of truth provided.

Notice the Command of the Father in verse 28, “Son, go work today in my vineyard.”  I must ask, “Who should be more interested in the success of the vineyard than the son?”  There was work, to be done and since this is family business no one should be more invested and willing to work than a son, right? 

Consider several things, if you will.  Examine the Grounds for the Father’s Claim or Request.  It was his son.  There are plenty of hirelings whose labor can be secured for a price, but love should motivate a son.  2 Corinthians 5:14 says, “For the love of Christ constraineth us…”  It motivates, directs, guides, and empower us.  It is not for material gain but for love that we serve.  If we are God’s sons and daughters, then He has first claim on our lives, our time, and our talents.  Strangers are hired but heirs are part of the inheritance and have a much deeper and higher motivation for service.

Next, consider the Desire of the Father’s Heart.  The vineyard needed work.  How heartbreaking it must be for God to see so much that needs to be done, so many lost, so many needy and many of His children sitting idle, sipping on their iced tea in the shade while the weeds and tares overrun the vineyard.  The work requested pleases the father, benefits the vineyard, and is profitable for the family.  Proverbs 19:15 informs, “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger.” 

Tragically, too many of God’s children talk a good talk but fail to walk a good walk.  I would like for us to consider the Urgency of the Father’s Request.  The work needed to be done that day not someday.  We can’t wait until we get more experience, we cannot assume that due to advanced age it is too late, and there is no retirement from God’s service and being a member of God’s family.  Today is the day of salvation. Today is the only promise we have.  We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow!

I want to consider the response of the sons and how it reveals a truth needed in today’s world.  We will address that in the another devotional but until then may the rich and bountiful blessings of the LORD be yours this day! 

Have a Great Day!

Matthew 19:23-26 – “And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  25 And when the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 And looking upon them Jesus said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  NASB

Man is a creature of habit, and most of us have formed or allowed to develop habits in our lives that are unhealthy spiritually.  I’m sure some will say, “Not me!”  But, in my 50 years of Christian ministry, I have yet to meet a person who has not done just that.  You may be the exception, but my experience is otherwise. 

We, being human, seem to spend most of our time thinking in the realm of human possibility, human reason, and human understanding.  After all, we are mortal human beings.  We tend to allow ourselves to be robbed by the forces of hell of many of the blessings and new heights of Spiritual Power that God has afforded us in His Word.  Too many never fully realize who they are and whom they serve.

Too many times, when we face the impossible, in the natural, we automatically resign ourselves to defeat and despair without examining the most vital asset we have.  We often fail to use that which is at our disposal and fail to examine the provision of God’s unequaled ability.  We need to be reminded that we are “Heirs of God” and “Joint Heirs with Jesus Christ.”  We are children of the Most High God, the Creator of All Things.  We have been called with a heavenly calling and empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.  Our Father is the Almighty God, the Living God, the One True God!  He does not change, does not falter, and does not fail.  He is Able!

God is Able to Deliver.  I like to remind myself of the words of the three Hebrew children as they stood before the king.  “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thy hand, O king.” (Daniel 3:17).  He delivered them miraculously and He delivered Daniel from the Lion’s Den.  The king’s question was, “Is thy God able to deliver?”  The answer, Yes, He Is!

God is Able to Fulfill His Promises.  I love the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 4:21, “And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He is able to perform.”  Fully Persuaded!  I like that.  God gave Abraham and Sarah a miracle son.  God gave Paul his life and the life of those in the ship with him.  God gave Solomon incredible wisdom, riches, and honor.  God gave the 120 Pentecost and turned the world upside down.  He is Able!

God is Able to Guard Our Soul’s Treasure.  Paul’s words to his spiritual son Timothy resonate powerfully in 2 Timothy 1:12, “…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.”  I am reminded of the word of Jesus in John 14:1-3 and His promise of an eternal home with Him and the Father forever.  He is coming back for that which He birthed and established.  God is Able!

God is Able to Save to The Uttermost.  That’s the declaration of Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”  There is no person on earth beyond the reach of grace.  They may reject it, but God’s grace is sufficient for ‘whosoever will’.  There is no person lost who cannot be found.  That is why God said, “Go into all the world…”  God is Able!

God is Able to Keep Us From Falling.  I love the words of Jude 24, “Now unto Him, that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”  Jesus declared that nobody can pluck you out of His hand.  No devil in hell can steal you away.  You can walk in His grace, enjoy His presence, and receive His fullness.  God is Able!

It is my prayer that the LORD will demonstrate His incredible longsuffering to each of us and help us to not only believe in our minds but embrace in our lives that He Is Able!

Have a great day!

Matthew 14:15-19 – “And when it was evening, the disciples came to Him, saying, “The place is desolate, and the time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”  17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.”  NASB

Yesterday, we addressed the conflict between natural human reason and logic and the realm of faith.  I mentioned that Jesus was trying to convey some truths to them.  What were those truths our LORD was trying to teach?

He was trying to help them discover and focus on the Truth that He Is The Son of God and the Son of Man.  He is capable of All Things!  With Him nothing is Impossible.  At the core of their being, I believe they believed that but in working it out, they were still conflicted by their natural understanding, reason, and logic. 

He was trying to help them understand that They were God’s children and fellow heirs with Jesus.  They were recipients of His supply and could tap into the miraculous through faith.  This is where their problem surfaced.  They believed that Jesus could do anything, we do.  The problem was, they believed He could but not they could.  But, Jesus said, “You Feed Them!”  Now they have a problem and are faced with the conflict.

We are told in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We read that, after the fact, but they were learning that in OJT (on the job training).  They had to learn that not only were all things possible with God, but with them as His children.  Mark 9:23 had not yet become a foundational part of their mentality. 

God wants you and me to have the same victory and power they had.  He wants us to enjoy the richest and best of His blessings.  He always gives “More Than Expected.”  In Ephesians 3:20 we learn that we are able to do above that which we can ask or think because of Him.  It is His authority that gives us both authority and power! 

God’s Plan is to Build a Great Church – The Body of Christ and in doing that A Great People, a Kingdom of Priests. God instituted the Church and He is the builder of that Church.  God wants to reach the lost today, as much as He did when Jesus walked the earth in the flesh.  He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  God wants His Children to receive His Power and enjoy His Blessings.  He confirmed that in sending the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and anoint us to do that which He has commanded.

We can be all we desire to be for Jesus!  We belong to God, therefore all of heaven is on our side.  He can do all things and in 1 John 4:17 we discover that “as He is, so are we in this world.”  We are not going to be as He is when we get to heaven but before we get there.  God never changes and in Him, there is no variableness of turning.  If He says it, He does it and that is settled in heaven for eternity. 

Jesus gives more than we can ‘ask or think,’ therefore, I ask, “Why Can’t We Be What He Has Declared We Are?”  We Can!  So, if you are tired of second class living spiritually and want to move up to first-class with the power of the Spirit of God operating in your life, you can! 

God bless you as you press into His presence and begin to walk in the fullness of His Person, Purpose, and Power!   Have a fantastic day!