Spiritual

OUR MEASURING STICK…


Spiritual Blog - Measuring

2 Corinthians 10:12-18 – “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. 13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. 18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.” NASU

Through the years I’ve known preachers and laity alike who name the name of Christ but use other people as their rule of measuring themselves.  They live in comparison rather than relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  They get their significance, and sense of self-worth from forming a list of those whom they deem lesser than themselves (in accomplishment, keeping the rules, etc.) and are frequently jealous of those whom they recognize as either being more spiritual or better at keeping the rules than they.  THAT IS NOT CHRISTIANITY!  If anything is it LEGALISM and they allow themselves to become Pharisees.

Paul tells the Corinthian church that his objective is not to be compared to another nor boast beyond the measure (grace, gift, ability, talent, etc.) the Lord has given him.  He repeatedly tells believers everywhere that the measure is not another person but Christ Himself.  His statement in (verse 18) is most powerful – “For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.”  Having people consider us great means little if on that final day we fail to hear the Lord say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant…”  Without the WELL DONE from Jesus, all that atta-boys or accolades of men are meaningless.

I have endeavored to emulate Christ, not some other minister!  I have never wanted to be an echo but have always wanted to be a voice.  When I preach, teach or write I do not want people to see me I truly want them to see Christ in me.  I don’t want people following me and encourage people to only follow me as I follow the Lord.  I cannot save anyone’s soul but He can.  I am human and subject to fail or disappoint you but He WILL NOT!  I recognize that too often I have fallen short but HE DOES NOT!  I recognize my inadequacies but HE HAS NONE!

If I can speak or write a word that will point you to Him and inspire you to trust Him and build your faith then I have fulfilled my assignment!  If whatever gift, talent, or ability He has placed in me helps someone scale the heights to a more, lofty plane spiritually then I have completed my assignment.  I want it to be inscribed on my tombstone when that day comes as it was of David… “He fulfilled the purposes of God in his generation then he died.”  (Acts 13:36).  That is my passion to not just pursue the purposes of God for my life but to fulfill them.  I do not want to compare myself or be compared with any other human being.  I desire to manifest Christ as I know that is the desire of each of you.  Therefore, let us each take stock of our lives and if we are guilty of comparison living rather than relational living, let’s repent and cease and turn our eyes fully upon Jesus and allow Him to have FULL CONTROL of our lives!

May you have a fulfilling Father’s Day today and enjoy the presence of the Lord in your hearts and lives!  May He guide you into the pathways He desires for you to walk, open the doors He wants you to go through, and bring about divine encounters with those to whom He desires you to minister to or be ministered to by!

Blessings upon you and all that you do for the cause of His Kingdom!

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OLD TREES CAN STILL PRODUCE FRUIT…


Spiritual Blog - Fruit

Psalms 92:12-15 – “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, 15 To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”  NASU

I recall vividly my mother’s 92nd birthday celebration and how wonderful it was.  She lived a little more than three years longer and we treasured her and her life.  I remember how much she enjoyed seeing all the family, reminiscing about old times, eating her birthday cake and ice cream, seeing, the little ones play, hearing the singing, watching the videos and opening her presents.  Yet, there was something more that struck me as I watched her and those around her.  She has reached a very advanced age but was still green and flourishing in producing spiritual fruit in the lives of those around her.  She was a cornerstone in our family and had been for all our lives.  Her peaceable demeanor and spirit brings calmness to almost any situation and commands respect from everyone because of her demonstrated life.  She has positively influenced many not only in our family but in every environment she finds herself.  I consider her an example of this passage.

God sustained her on numerous occasions when it appeared that she could not live in the natural.  He has provided for her on occasions when it appeared that financial disaster would strike and was beyond the ability of her family to offset.  She continued to produce spiritual fruit in her aged years and “spiritually” was full of sap and green.  Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren will carry on her legacy now that she is no longer with us in the natural.  Her example and encouragement will never be forgotten.   She was always more concerned about others than herself.  She always demonstrated unconditional love.  She took the high road of righteousness when it would be easy to succumb to the temptation to retaliate or react negatively.  She spoke peace when anger would have been understandable by most and the pattern or path of many.  She was faithful to the Lord for all these years and prayed her children through many battles even when she was not sure what the battle was, she knew her offspring was in trouble or danger and would not release the horns of the altar until there was an answer from heaven.  She determined that I would return from Vietnam and refused to relinquish her hope and faith and I believe on numerous occasions it was directly related to her prayers that I am alive today.

Not to make this solely about her but about God, she recognized God as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  She recognized Jesus Christ as her personal savior.  She honored her father and mother more than anyone I have ever witnessed in my years and exhibited the spirit of Christ daily.  Therefore, God sustained her, made her flourish in the House of the Lord and caused her to produce fruit in her old age and keep her green and flourishing as he will each of us if we “seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.”  We need to treasure the examples of those who have preceded us and follow those examples making God the “center of our lives” in all things!

So it is with a grateful heart that I say thank you Lord for my precious godly mother, and godly heritage in my parents and grandparents.  Thank You, Lord, for your faithfulness!  May each of you find this weekend filled with a sense of the presence of the Lord and go through the week in His strength and power!

Blessings abundantly to each!

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PONDERING…. PONDERING… PONDERING…


Spiritual Blog - Ponderning

Proverbs 4:20-27 – “My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. 24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” NKJV

How well do you receive instruction?  How well did you listen to the counsel of your parents and then later those who were mentors in your life?  How well do you listen to the voice of the Spirit of the Lord?  How well do you listen to the Words of Scripture?  These are very important questions because when we look at the counsel given here there are instructions with great promise.  We are told numerous things regarding heeding instruction (godly instruction) and given some guidance as to how we are to respond:

  1. Listening is the key to success.
  2. Never losing sight of the instruction, the goal, the promise, or the potential is the requirement.
  3. Keeping them in the center of our hearts will keep us on course and keep us from being sidetracked.

The promise is that in doing so we will find that they are life and health to us in every dimension.  We are further instructed to:

  1. Keep our Guard our Hearts with all diligence or with great care, paying attention to detail and never allowing ourselves to grow lax, slack, or laxidasical. Out of the heart flows life or death.
  2. Put away a deceitful mouth, tongue, or talk and refuse to engage in perverse conversation or communication.
  3. Keep your focus on the goal, always pressing toward the mark of the prize of the High Calling of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then we come to the point I want to focus on:  Ponder the path of your feet.  We are told to give careful consideration to the path we are on and taking.  We are to weigh the positives and negatives.  We are to consider the ramifications of our course of action.  Our walk, (feet) represent our life, so we are to give careful consideration to LIFE.  Through establishing a “right path” designed and directed by the Holy Spirit based on the instructions given we will “establish” our ways not just our direction and in doing so enable our lives to maintain an even constant course with a consistent goal and direction.  We will be anchored in Him, His Word, and His Purpose.  Therefore above all else, “ponder the path of your feet”.  Think about your direction, your purpose, your process, and your potential.  God has and does give instruction; it is up to us to “walk that out in reality”.  So PONDER, PONDER, and PONDER!  You will never regret taking the path designed and desired by the Holy One of Israel.  He will never leave you nor forsake you and NEVER guide you down a wrong path!

Blessings as you enter your special and victorious weekend.  May God’s best be yours every step of the way!

 

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THE VALUE OF VISION…


Spiritual Blog - Vision

Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.” NASU

Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” NKJV

Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law” NIV

Proverbs 29:18 – “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is happy.” NLT

In the early transcripts, this was “no prophetic vision”, not just “vision” and that is a significant difference.  There are multiple directions to take this and through the years I’ve taken many different approaches to this verse.  This morning I have a thought and purpose that I hope will be a blessing and of benefit.

First, I believe that a church must have a “corporate vision” unto which it rallies around and that vision should come from the leader or leaders of the church.  It should be their passion and reflect what “God is saying to that body of believers”.  If there is no “singular vision” there is chaos with everyone running after “their vision” and wanting to make it the “vision of the whole”.  The lack of effectiveness and life in that congregation would be easily discernable and people would “run wild”.  There would be no “pulling together” or “being fitly framed” into a dynamic unit for the cause of the Kingdom.  It would be just a bunch of isolated and disjointed parts, not a body.

Second, I believe that it is important for individual believers to have “vision” not just have, “a vision”.  We need to be able to SEE SPIRITUALLY!  Absence, of “spiritual vision” also brings chaos and disorder not only in the congregation but the individual life.  It makes us easy targets for the devil because if “natural vision” is all we have to rely on we will fail to comprehend and apprehend what God has in store for and desires for us!  In this case, you will:

  1. Be overwhelmed rather than propelled to victory.
  2. Defeatism will become prevalent rather than Spiritual Optimism.
  3. The prism through which you view life will be “circumstantial” rather than “promise driven”.
  4. Fear will prevail and faith will wither and die.

An example of what I’m talking about is found in the Book of Numbers where Moses sent out 12 men to spy out the Land of Canaan and report back so they could develop a battle plan for obtaining the promise of God.  Ten came back reporting what they say in their “natural vision”.  Two came back reporting what they say with their “spiritual vision.”

Notice the difference:

  1. They all saw the bountiful land.
  2. They all saw it as being all God had described.
  3. They say it as truly a Land of Promise.
  4. Ten saw the “problem” but two saw the “potential through the prism of the promise.”

If you live your life through “natural vision” you will NEVER fulfill the Purpose nor achieve the Promise or Potential God has for you.  BUT, if you live your life with “spiritual vision” you will find that “fear” has no place to take root, the devil’s attempts to “intimidate” will become laughable, and “confidence” will soar because YOU SEE WHAT GOD SEES not just what is there in the natural.

I’m told that an Eagle has eight times as many visual cells per cubic centimeter as a human.  Thus, an eagle flying at 600 feet can spot an object the size of a dime in six inches of grass.  It can see a three-inch fish jumping in a lake five miles away.  It can see from above with almost “supernatural eyesight”.  When we see with “spiritual vision” we are seeing things from God’s perspective – – Above and with supernatural eyesight as well as with an assured confidence that if God sees it and said it WE CAN HAVE IT!

So, our desire and prayer should be for “spiritual vision”.  It’s what God wants for us and if we seek Him and cry out to Him for it HE WILL GIVE IT!  We can learn to “see” through the Eyes of God!  Life will never be the same again!

May God bless you richly as you go through your day with your new vision!

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SUFFICIENT GRACE – PERFECTED POWER…


Spiritual Blog - Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” NASU

Many have been the times I have gone to this passage and reminded the Lord of His statement and promise.  There have been occasions in my life when my human inabilities were so apparent that barring a miracle from God I would go under.  It is not in the times that I recognize my human weakness that I get in trouble it is in those times when I do not.  It is not when I am relying on His Grace that I find myself sinking it is in those times when I try to do it in my own strength, wisdom, knowledge, and power.  It is not when I’m vulnerable that I get in trouble it is when I think I’m invincible.  Truly, I have learned in life that His Grace and Power is demonstrated to the full in those times when we have come to the end of ourselves and fully realize and acknowledge that “without Him, we can do nothing.”

When trials come they do not always just go away because we claim a Bible promise, pray, or make a confession.  Sometimes they persist!  That does not mean we succumb to them or allow them to crush us, it is in those times that we need to recognize that He is “I AM, THAT I AM.”  He does not just have power, HE IS POWER!  He does not just have grace, HE IS GRACE!  He is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent so nothing going on in our lives is a surprise to Him not beyond His wisdom or power to handle.  Our trials are opportunities for Him to demonstrate HIS GREATNESS!  I’m not suggesting that we pray for trials rather that when we are encompassed about by a host of hellish devices we RUN TO HIM and RELY ON HIM!  It is in those times that His strength and grace has a complete manifestation in our lives and situation.

THEREFORE, when the storms of life are raging know that Heaven’s Grace will never fail.  That is why James could say with confidence in James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” NKJV  It’s not the trial that is to be the focus but HIM.  Focusing on the Problem perpetuates the potential for disaster but focusing on Him provides perfected peace!  The choice is ours, the provision is His.

May the Lord bless you richly as you go through your day!

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TRUTH IS INVALUABLE…


Spiritual Blog - Truthg

John 16:13-15 – “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”  NKJV

 

It is my desire to “speak only those things I hear the Lord saying” and “do only those things I see Him doing”.  I’ve been asked for Chapter and Verse and usually refer them to this passage as an example of what I am talking about.  Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit our Advocate, Comforter, and Teacher will “teach” and “guide” us into ALL TRUTH.  We were told that He will not speak on His own initiative but say ONLY what He hears from Heaven and will “open our eyes to what is coming”.  He will GLORIFY the Lord Jesus Christ and take what Jesus is “saying” and “doing” and share it with us, “imparting” to us “gifts” and “abilities” to accomplish GOD’S PURPOSES in this life.  Jesus said, “All things that the Father has are Mine…”  He assured us that the Holy Spirit would take of those things and declare them to us so that we too could know the MIND OF THE FATHER!

Therefore, we can fully expect to walk through this maze called “life” with a calm assurance in our hearts because we “know” the “mind of the Father” through the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  We don’t have to become flustered and frustrated with the events of life, we can rest in the PEACE OF GOD because we have a “Comforter” who will “guide” us into ALL TRUTH!  I have been through both ends of that spectrum.  I have experienced that dilemma sitting in a doctor’s office awaiting a report that caused great trepidation.  But with the prayers of many friends, the Holy Spirit came in and calmed my spirit and assured me that “God was in control” and observed how quickly things went from trepidation to rejoicing and God’s Peace flooded my heart.  The devil tries to shipwreck our lives but the Holy Spirit brings the PEACE OF GOD into the matter powerfully.  It is there that Holy Spirit speaks into our hearts what He is “hearing” in the Throne Room of Heaven we can walk out of that situation in total victory!  To God be the Glory!

That is why the apostle Paul told us in Romans 8:26-30 – “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”  NKJV

 If I can recommend anything to you it is learn to “trust” the voice of the Spirit of God.  He will not guide you astray and He will ALWAYS guide you according to the Word and Will of God.  If what you are hearing does not line up with God’s Word “it is not the Spirit of God speaking” so discard it.  If it lines up with the Word of God and brings the Peace of God “rest in it” and be at peace.  God is working on your behalf and will guide you into all truth!

May the Lord’s blessings be richly upon you as you go through your day!

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THE IMMEASURABLE GOD WE SERVE…


Spiritual Blog - Awesome

Isaiah 40:12-18 – “Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed out the mountains and the hills? 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to be his teacher or counselor? 14 Has the LORD ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good or what is best? 15 No, for all the nations of the world are nothing in comparison with him. They are but a drop in the bucket, dust on the scales. He picks up the islands as though they had no weight at all. 16 All Lebanon’s forests do not contain sufficient fuel to consume a sacrifice large enough to honor him. All Lebanon’s sacrificial animals would not make an offering worthy of our God. 17 The nations of the world are as nothing to him. In his eyes they are less than nothing — mere emptiness and froth. 18 To whom, then, can we compare God?” NLT

This morning, as I was reading this passage, seemed to leap off the page at me so I wish to pen a few brief remarks.  We all face the many uncertainties of life and none of us truly know what is around the next corner or the next encounter we will face.  We truly live from moment to moment, in Him.  He is our rock and our strength in the time of trouble, and our strong tower in the time of safety.

In reading this I was particularly encouraged when I began to think of the “awesomeness of God” and His “immenseness”.  Read this passage slowly and allow it to sink in and you realize that the “Creator of the Universe” has no comparison.  He is immeasurable and absolutely reliable and trustworthy.  He has extended to each of us the “hand of fellowship” allowing us to be “adopted” into the family of God through the Blood of Jesus.  What a comfort to know that nothing escapes His view, nothing is too large for Him to handle, and nothing is more immense than He.  While we may be small and insignificant in comparison to Him, He takes careful pains to ensure that each of us is cared for individually and collectively.  He is so concerned about each of us that He knows the very number of the hairs on our heads and pays attention to every detail of our lives, needs, struggles, and victories.  WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

So, I plan my day not knowing what a day may bring forth.  I recall, a few years ago, when I was referred to a surgeon because of an issue with my parathyroid gland.  There was trepidation because the tests indicated a tumor.  As I researched parathyroid tumors I discovered that they were rarely malignant.  The surgeon assured me that it was benign because of the rareness of malignancies in this gland.  I had PEACE that God was in control but there was a gnawing thought in my mind that this was not routine.  When I underwent surgery and the doctor visited me in my hospital room he informed me that he had been wrong and it was, in fact, malignant and quite large.  Numerous things transpired to cause me further concern and trepidation and a second surgery was scheduled for a few months down the road.  One day, sitting in my truck during my lunch break and doing what I did daily, praying and reading the Word of God, I felt a warmth cover my body and sensed that I had been healed.  I had a sweet and powerful PEACE settle over me and in my heart and I begin to sing of our AWESOME GOD!  I rested in His care and trusted the prayers of my many friends that were going up continually for me.  As an old preacher once said, “God can pull you through anything if you can stand the pull.”  Just before the second surgery, all my PTH levels went to the low side of normal and the surgery proved to be a total success.  NO TRACE OF CANCER was found in my body.  I walked and now walk in complete PEACE knowing I am in His hands.  I live in confidence that HE WILL BE THERE every step of the way, so I GO IN PEACE!

Thanks for your prayers, and may you have a blessed day.  God bless you, have a fantastic day serving our AWESOME GOD!

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THE ULTIMATE GUARANTEE…


Spiritual Blog - Guarantee

Lamentations 3:22-24 – “The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”  NLT

We’ve all heard the sales pitch from one salesman or another about the “guarantee” or “warranty” of their product and how it is so much better than any other product like it on the market.  Sometimes that claim is true and sometimes it is just “sales talk”.  In this particular passage, we find the ULTIMATE GUARANTEE that is ABSOLUTE, UNSHAKABLE, and WILL NEVER FAIL!  Now I don’t know about you but those words excite me.

Consider it with me:

  1. It begins with the UNFAILING LOVE OF GOD.  A love that NEVER ENDS, a love that CANNOT BE SHAKEN, and a love that is COMPLETELY UNEARNED.  It is UNCONDITIONAL and  It is a love that is far beyond anything that we humans can use to compare it.
  2. Then, the focus becomes HIS MERCIES. Through them, we are KEPT from COMPLETE DESTRUCTION.  Not just kept safe for a time or a little but COMPLETE SAFETY.  Can you really fathom that?  NOTHING can touch you when you are under the “shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91).
  3. Next, we see that HIS FAITHFULNESS AND MERCIES are FRESH every day!  They are being continually renewed so that they are an inexhaustible supply of LOVE, GRACE, TENDERNESS, FAITHFULNESS, and MERCY from the Throne Room of Heaven.  It is a River flowing to us from Him, the same river Jesus spoke of in the Gospels that would flow out of our “innermost being” when we came to Him and drank of His Grace.
  4. That leads us to the CONFIDENCE that we can say without fear or hesitation, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” We are people of HOPE!  Not wishful thinking but HOPE that is anchored in PROMISE backed up by the PERSON who is the OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT, OMNISCIENT CREATOR of the Universe – GOD!

Therefore, TODAY make the decision that you will no longer walk in despair but will walk in hope that is assured, builds faith, emboldens with courage, and empowers with confidence because you are a Child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  You and I have been given the ULTIMATE GUARANTEE!  A love that will never fail!  Mercies that will never end!  Faithfulness that will never be shaken!  We have an immovable Inheritance that cannot be taken from us by the powers of Hell.  We have God’s Promise and I choose to “rest” in that Place of Peace through the Power of His Promise under the Shadow of the Cross.

May God grant you a most beautiful day of worship and celebration today!

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SOMETIMES QUITTING WOULD BE SO EASY…


Spiritual Blog - Quit

Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” NIV

Have you ever reached the place that quitting would be so easy that it seems the only logical thing to do?  Yet, in your heart of hearts, you know that “quitting” will ensure defeat and you will be in worse shape than if you keep “fighting the good fight of faith”?  I have!  I have had times when I wanted to just crawl under the Juniper tree and say, “Lord, just take me home.  I’m tired, nothing is happening, and nobody cares.”  Pity party, oh yeah but it is more than that, sometimes it is “battle fatigue.”  Sometimes you have struggled with the same issues so long that and seen virtually no results that discouragement sets in and clouds your ability to see the bigger picture, the promises of God, and hear the encouragement of the Holy Spirit to KEEP GOING!  Sometimes you feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming straight at you not an answer but certain destruction.  It seems more than you can bear and “quitting would be so easy.”

However, Paul gives us some counsel in this passage that can and should move us from pity, discouragement, despair, and certain defeat to an “assured victory” in the Lord and Life!  The scripture tells us in James 4:17 – “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” NIV.  Of course, we don’t want to fall into sin and we do not want to displease the Lord so we struggle to keep the faith because we know as Hebrews 11:6 tell us – “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” NIV.  We, want to as Paul urged in Philippians 3:12-14 – “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” NASU.  Therefore, it is imperative that we KEEP PRESSING TOWARD THE MARK and KEEP REACHING FOR THE PRIZE, the ultimate victory in Christ.

God has promised a “harvest” if we do not “give up”.  He has promised to come through for us if we “refuse to quit”.  He has promised that in HIS TIMING He will send the abundance of the harvest into our lives.  Our problem is we want to dictate the timing but God will NEVER play that game.  He is the Sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He knows the end from the beginning and all in between.  He knows, when, where, how, and how much needs to be done and that is exactly what He will do and it is for our “best good” that He does it.  Our part is to DO NOT GIVE UP!  I’ve told people for years – “The devil cannot win UNLESS we quit!”  If we refuse to quit the devil is already a defeated foe.  He hasn’t stopped fighting, deceiving, and striving to shipwreck lives but ULTIMATELY, He was defeated at the Cross and Resurrection by our precious Lord Jesus Christ!  We are NOW more than conquerors through Him who loves us.  So, when you feel like quitting, call someone who will kick you in the seat of the pants and tell you NO!  Fall on your faces before God and repent and allow the Holy Spirit to encourage you and give you “grace for the time of need”.  BUT above all DO NOT QUIT!  The only way you fail is IF YOU QUIT! 

May you have a blessed Saturday and a wonderful weekend in the Lord!  Blessings abundantly!

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THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD…..


Spiritual Blog - Faithful

Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” NKJV

There are many uncertainties in life and some of them trouble us greatly, especially when we are living in “our own strength” and “abilities.”  Trusting the “Arm of Flesh” is a recipe for trouble every time and in every situation.  I realize that Athletes reach a place that they do not think about what they are doing, they react because they have practiced, trained, have talent, and trust their abilities; however, in life, we face things that are “beyond our abilities” and MUST or NEED TO rely on God.

I trust the chair I sit on to hold my weight so I sit on it without concern that it is going to crumble under me and cause me injury or embarrassment.  I trust the wiring in my house that when I flip the switch I will have a light come on and be able to see.  I trust many things in life in the natural but sometimes I face things in life that is beyond what is “seen” and “known” and I need the help of someone who “Sees the End from the Beginning”.  I need the OMNIPOTENT, OMNISCIENT, OMNIPRESENT GOD to come to my defense, lead me down the right path, help me make the right decisions, and provide supernaturally for me.

This passage emphasizes the “trustworthiness” of God.  If we make Him first in our lives and “Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness….”  HE WILL provide!  His promises are sure!  His character without flaw!  His Word TOTALLY RELIABLE!  Of all the things in life that we trust, but might fail us, God is not one of those.  In fact, He is the only one on whom we can COMPLETELY RELY to ALWAYS be FAITHFUL.  People will fail us, the ability will fail us, technology will fail us, other people will fail us, finances will fail us, but GOD will NEVER FAIL us!

Therefore, as I have faced a previous surgery, as in all times when I have faced something like that there was a bit of trepidation but I had PEACE because I knew God is faithful.  I had less concern about the procedure of replacing the hip joint than the fact that that there is a tumor in existence, yet through the Holy Spirit, I was able to take that thought captive to the obedience of Christ and put my COMPLETE TRUST in Him and have PEACE that all would be well, and it was.  The thing that gave me this confidence was, I had been through a battle with cancer and God healed me.  I had been through multiple surgeries and God always brought me through with excellence.  He has continually provided not only competent doctors but godly ones and for that I am grateful.  But, the greatest of all things that give me confidence is that my Eternal Destiny is settled and I have a home in that Eternal Abode with Him at the end of my days, so I don’t allow worry to overcome me because of the PEACE OF GOD that passes all understanding dwelling and residing in my heart.  I expected to come through that with great results and live a long and full life.  I TRUST GOD with my life!  He is TRUSTWORTHY!

May the Lord be the Peace of your Heart and the Anchor of your Life in all that you are and do as you spend this Lord’s Day in His Presence!  May His blessings overtake you and His love cover you in a new and special way on this day!

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