Spiritual

FIGHTING IS NOT ALWAYS THE ANSWER…


Spiritual Blog - Prayer

Jeremiah 29:4-14 – “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:

 5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters — that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD.

 10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.”  NKJV

 

Jeremiah was not always well received because he refused to say what people wanted to hear but what he heard from the Spirit of God.  Some called him a traitor when he told Israel not to resist and this letter he wrote to the captives was not well received by everyone but provided an insight and hope for the nation.

Israel was in a dilemma.  They could resist and ultimately be wiped out or so diminished in number that when the day of deliverance came they would be too few to carry out the purposes of God.  Therefore, the prophet instructed them, with a word from God, to live as near normal as possible in the midst of their captivity.  He gave as a chief reason, “…that you may be increased there, and not diminished.”  He warned them not to buy the deception that other prophets were offering and informed that their captivity would be 70 years in duration but afterward, in their strength and numbers God would bring them out.  God’s purpose was not to destroy them but ultimately to lead them to victory.  They were going through difficulties because of their failure to follow His directive but ultimately God’s heart was their victory.  He says in verse 11, “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 

Spiritual Blog - Obedience

They, as we have the choice to endure the hardship for a season, keeping our eyes on the ultimate prize and conduct our lives in such a manner as to ensure that we are not weakened beyond repair in times of trouble and trial.  There may come a time, in America, when we are faced with the decision to resist fully or submit for a time.  It will be a most difficult choice for we will see terrible calamity and many who become docile exterminated.  I do not know what the future holds and if God will instruct us to submit to captivity or resist, as did our forefathers in the American Revolution.  There is a time to rise up and a time to remain silent.  A time to resist and a time to submit.  There is a time to live and a time to die.  Immediately taking up arms is not always the right answer, therefore, it is imperative in these coming days for each of us to PRAY and seek the face of God.  It is time that we incorporate the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 in our daily lives, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  My prayer is LORD give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and courage to do that which You direct.

God bless you as you go through this beautiful day in Him!

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MY DAILY PRAYER AND PURSUIT – [Part II]…


Spiritual Blog - Walk on Water

Psalm 51:10-13 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.”  NKJV

  

Now, back to the prayer of David and my daily prayer, desire and pursuit.  The meat of the matter is found in these verses, not to exclude the verses prior and subsequent but these convey a powerful truth, for me.  Let’s walk through David’s specific request and examine it briefly.

  • CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART

He is not asking God to simply “mend” his heart but give him a “brand new heart” and one that has been cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb.  He is not asking for help to turn over a new leaf but a total transformation of his life.  He wants to be “made new.”  I believe that is echoed by Paul in the New Testament when he says, “Neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation…”  This comes through God’s mercy and grace and is a result of our believing Him, receiving Him, and full confession of our sin.   Oh God, don’t just put a Band-Aid on my sinful condition but GIVE ME A NEW HEART that has been WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB. 

I do not suggest that we need to keep coming back to God to SAVE US but we do allow sin to taint us from time to time and we need Him to purge out the dross.  Thus, I pray!

  • RENEW IN ME A STEADFAST OR RIGHT SPIRIT

I want to exhibit constant and be consistent in my work and walk before God and man.  I want a spirit that is not easily moved by the adversities of this life.  I want a spirit that weathers the waves of adversity and is not tossed to and fro by events, circumstances, and conditions encountered.  Renew in me, FAITHFULNESS to the level of my first love so that I am like a rock.

  • DO NOT CAST ME AWAY FROM YOUR PRESENCE

I know He has promised to NEVER leave us nor forsake us and as Moses prayed, “If your presence does not go with us I do not want to go.”  Lord, help me to be conscious of the shelter of your covering and the power of your presence in my life.  It will not only encourage me in times of trouble but will be an anchor to keep me steady at all times.  I need your presence, at all times, Oh Lord!

  • DO NOT TAKE YOUR HOLY SPIRIT FROM ME.

Lord, I know that without the conviction of the Holy Spirit pricking my conscience I could easily drift into error and sin, therefore, I ask that your Holy Spirit is always present and prevalent in my life.  I want you to “convict” and “convince” me of sin.  I want the helper who is to be my teacher and guide to ALWAYS be present in my life.  I want the one who shines light into darkness to be powerfully present in my life, at all times.

  • RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION

Weeping last for the night but joy comes in the morning and Lord, I want the Joy unspeakable and the Glory beyond comprehension in my life to be so prevalent, powerful, and present it spills over to others impacting them positively for good.  Lord, do not let me by like the Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2 where you say of me that I have “left my first love.”   Lord, give me the infectious Joy of Salvation!

This is a prayer that I pray and a path I pursue daily in my life and pray it for you as well.  I am not suggesting that you are living in sin but that you enjoy all that God has for you in this present world and in the world to come LIFE EVERLASTING!

            God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Him!

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MY DAILY PRAYER AND PURSUIT…


Spiritual Blog - Clean Heart

Psalm 51:1-13 – “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.  4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight — That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.  6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.  9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.

 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.”  NKJV

 

I often quote and focus on verse 10 but to not bring the cries of David prior to that utterance would be a mistake.  David was keenly aware of his flawed humanity and his need for God’s love, mercy, and grace.  He recognized God’s incredible longsuffering and mercy as well as his personal sinfulness.  I am convinced that UNTIL we come to the place we no longer, in any measure, attempt to intentionally or unintentionally “justify” our condition we will not truly seek that which David is seeking.  Too often, we give lip service or acknowledgment to the fact that we are “sinful flesh” but then through our words or deeds imply that we are “comparing ourselves” with others and thereby justifying our condition.  That is a tragic mistake and could be eternally fatal.

David’s open confession, in verse 3, of his sin and his acknowledgment that it was ALWAYS BEFORE HIM is revealing and needed if we are to break the chains of iniquity in our lives.  David realized that his sin was, in fact, rebellion against God and no matter what the wrong it is wrong toward God.  If we could realize that truth and accept our responsibility for our actions I believe we would be more prone to pray the pray and have the desire of David, as reflected in the Psalm.  As I read this prayer I no longer wonder why God would say of David, “He is a man after my own heart.”  David was honest with God, refusing to sugarcoat his actions and displayed a heart easily broken by the Spirit of God and willing to confess and repent.

David acknowledged that he is a member of the flawed human race.  A race tainted by sin since the Garden of Eden and the fall of Adam & Eve.  He acknowledges the Omniscience of God in his declaration that God KNOWS ALL.  His declaration is a clear revelation that he understands salvation and I believe that message goes all the way back to the Garden and was handed down from generation to generation.  Man has not been unaware of God’s plan or process and yet continues to walk in rebellion by allowing the flesh to dominate and direct our steps.

Then David comes to the portion of the prayer upon which I wish to focus, vv. 10-13.  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”

There is not the time or space to complete what I hold in my heart about this so I will pause here and pick this up in the another devotional.  God bless you, guard and guide you as you embark on this day’s journey in Christ Jesus!

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YOU ARE A POSSIBILITY – – [Part II]…


Spiritual Blog - Possibility

Psalm 90:10-12 – “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 

11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  NKJV

Not only is PERCEPTION an essential in our becoming what God has purposed and desires for our lives but there is more.

  • PREPARATION – – You Must Prepare To Get Where You Are Going.It is vital to know the Promises and Provisions of God’s Word – The Bible.   The Bible is a tool, a weapon, a light, and a vital resource in our pursuit of His purposes.  It is our guide and provides us with the required information to move from point “a” to point “b” spiritually.

    It is important that we know our Inheritance in Him.  Mentally we must become students of the Word absorbing it so that it becomes us and we become it.  Physically we must present our bodies as living sacrifices to Him.  Spiritually we must grow in grace experiencing His communion, making undying commitment and consecration to Him.  It is by the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the directions of the Word of God that we are to travel from cradle to grave.  We need to make preparation for the journey and be ready for any possibility and/or obstacle along the way.  We are to be anchored in Truth and in that mooring we are Free!

  • PROCEED – – We must Proceed on the Planned Way in Christ.

It is important that we know our Potential, see ourselves as Possibilities and TRUST             GOD.  Someone said, “Well I can’t be a Moses, Elijah, Paul, John, Peter, or Daniel.”  That                  may be true but you can be that unique person with that unique niche in the                              Kingdom that nobody else can fill.  What made those men unique?  They were fully                      surrendered, obedient, teachable, and dared to dream God’s dreams.  Why can’t you              do that?

The Bible says we are “more than conquerors through Jesus” so why can’t we live as overcomers?  Jesus declared, “The works that I do shall you do and greater works than these because I go to My Father” therefore why can’t His power, person, and purpose be a part of your life?  Are you allowing opportunities to slip by through the passage of time?  Remember you are God’s Child.  You are on a course for a life of fulfillment in the Kingdom so let God take you there.  Remember, “except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it…”

Since none of us know what tomorrow holds or how many tomorrows we will have on planet earth, today is the best day I know of to begin making every moment and every day count.  I and you can do all things through Christ.  We can and if we are not, why not?

            God bless you as you go through this wonderful day in Him.

Spiritual Blog - Edison

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YOU ARE A POSSIBILITY…


Spiritual Blog - Possible

Psalm 90:10-12 – “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 

11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  NKJV

 

As the song says, “Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die.”  It is a basic instinct for many to want to live forever.  Most live as though they have more than enough tomorrows to take care of things they did not want to do today.  Too often there is the feeling that there is no need to be concerned because there is plenty of time to do what we want later.  Procrastination is common. 

There are many promises in God’s Word that are seldom claimed and stood upon and as a result, we sometimes live beneath our privilege in God.  Some have accused me of going to seed on the Promises of God and I confess, I do focus on them a considerable amount.  Why?  Because each step we take in our journey of becoming more like Jesus we experience more Spiritual Power, see more Souls born into the Kingdom and live in greater Victory in our daily lives.  However, if we do not know the Promises we will likely never experience them.

This Psalm is usually attributed to Moses.  He is interceding with God to remove the curse that made it necessary for every Israelite over twenty to die before they reach Canaan.  He states that most are dying at seventy although some are reaching eighty.  Although this is specifically in reference to Israel there is an application for us today if we can receive it.  Let me take a path down “suppose lane” if you will indulge me for the purpose of making a point and hopefully illustrating a truth.

Let’s consider verse 10 for a moment.  If this could somehow be the used as the definitive gauge of longevity it would produce an interesting possibility.  Let’s take the upper portion of that gauge as 80 years which could be broken down into sixteen five-year segments.  The question I would ask immediately is “How many do you have left?”  Let me insert a disclaimer, I do not believe this is an arbitrary number of the years of our days for many are living into their 90’s and even 100’s that is wonderful.  But, if 80 were the number of your days, how many have slipped by and how many remain to accomplish your assignment in life?

This illustrates something I have contended for decades, “time is the greatest asset or enemy we have.”  Paul urges believers to “redeem the time” because of the condition of the world.  TIME is one thing we must learn to use effectively if we are to be valuable and effective in life.  How much do you waste?  I am guilty so I am not pointing at you, I am pointing at me as well.  I believe that in order to tap into the resources, the ability and power God has placed within us there are three things which must take place.

  • PERCEPTION – – We Must Perceive:
  1. Who You Are – – From the view of Scripture.

Initially, we were all sinners (Romans 3:23) and in need of a Savior.  Genesis 1:26 informs us that we were created in God’s image and likeness.  John 1:12, calls us sons of God based on redemption.  Romans 8:17, calls us heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.  Galatians 3:29, tells us that we are heirs according to Promise.

That is the declaration of God’s word when we come to Him for Salvation.  Once we enter into the Family of God we realize that Abraham’s Blessings are ours (Deuteronomy 28) and we have a Better Covenant established on Better Promises (Hebrews 8:6)

Therefore, in light of God’s Word – “Who Are You?”  If you have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb and received His forgiveness and grace you are GOD’S CHILD.  The next question should be – “Where Are You?”  Not geographically but spiritually.  Are you in the meat or milk level of development in your spiritual walk?  I am reminded of the illustration about the little boy who fell out of the bed one night.  His father came to check on him and asked what happened.  The little boy said, “I fell out of the bed because I stayed too close to the edge.”  Then we must ask – “Where Are You Going?”  I ask that both spiritually and in the natural.  What is the direction of your life?  What are the foundational principles by which you live?  What is your moral and spiritual mooring?  PERCEPTION is vital if we are to become what God wants us to be and has purposed us to be.

We will pick up there in the next devotional but for now, I pray that God grant you His wonderful peace and bountiful blessings on this day in Him.

 

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THE REAL, REAL THING [Part II]…


Spiritual Blog - Word

Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”  NKJV

 

We considered the Truth that “God’s Word is a Settled Fact” last time, now let’s move on to further consideration of THE REAL THING and see how it can and will affect your life powerfully and positively.

THE BASIS AND RELIABILITY OF GOD’S WORD – GOD’S INTEGRITY…

Verse 90 of this Psalm declares, “Your faithfulness endures to all generations…”  The Psalmist reflects on the truth and reality that God “created” the earth and it stands and stands and stands from generation to generation.  It lasts out of God’s desire and purpose and is not in jeopardy of man messing it up.  It is subject to God, not a man and God makes promises that do not fail.

Psalm 148:1-6 – “Praise the LORD! 

Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!  2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!  3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!

4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! 

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.  6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away.” NKJV

That is a powerful declaration and one that we should meditate on regularly.

GOD’S WORD IS A LIBERATING FORCE…

When we allow it to truly become “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (v.105) and we hide or inscribe it inside our fill our hearts with it, we find that it becomes a treasure and guide which LIBERATES.

Jesus said:  “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

Pilate asked:  “What is truth?”

Jesus declared in prayer:  “Father, Thy word is Truth.”  And we dare never forget that Jesus is the Word made flesh!

If we would apply (2 Timothy 2:15) to our lives and become students of the word we would find the truth and reality of (2Timothy 3:16) that all scripture is both inspired and profitable and find that it is truly “quick and powerful” able to discern and evaluate the heart. (Hebrew 4:12).  God’s Word is truly the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) and our warfare is not against flesh and blood but is spiritual.  I would suggest to you that we cannot enjoy, participate in or receive the full benefit of what we do not know, practice or appropriate in our lives.

We need to discover what the Word says.  It is available because God said it and recorded it for all generations to read.  He has given us His Spirit to guide us into all truth and teach us His Principles and He fully intends for it to be personalized in our lives.  The clear directive is STUDY.  For it is through the Word of God we have:

  • Redemption from destruction – [v.92]
  • Revival, Refreshing and Renewal – [v.93]
  • Wisdom – [v.98]
  • Insight – [v.99]
  • Understanding – [v.100]
  • Spiritual Backbone and Ability to Resist Temptation and Evil – [v.101-104]
  • Steadfastness – [v.102]
  • Guidance and a Clear Path upon which to Travel – [v.105]
  • Faith, Complete Trust, and Peace – [v.109]

 

In the Word, we find Salvation, Healing, Blessing, Faith, Information about Who God is and who we are in Him.  It is in the Word we find God’s Promises and Revelation as to the Future.  In His Word, we find God’s way of living, the development of right attitudes and weapons for spiritual warfare and service.  Psalm 1 tells us to meditate in that Word day and night.  In His word and the application of that word we find the answers to life’s questions and the solutions to life’s problems.  The Word is as reliable as God Himself and He NEVER CHANGES.

We believe God.  We believe He is Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent and we believe the Bible IS His word not just CONTAINS His word.  As we discover what it says, we need to apply that truth and principle to our lives.

      God bless you as you go through this day in Him!

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THE REAL, REAL THING…


Spiritual Blog - Real Thing

Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”  NKJV

 

Our world is filled with fads, gimmicks, and imitations.  If you watch TV much at all you realize that there is a commercial for everything and nothing is taboo any longer. Everywhere you look someone has either discovered, invented, developed, or promise a “sure-fire, quick fix, ease remedy” or answer for whatever ails your or problem you face in any area of life.

How many “new and improved” methods of weight loss, male stamina or performance issues, repair gimmicks, and financial solutions can there be?  I know some who have tried every new diet there is.  They have made meals of vitamins, eaten enough grapefruit to become a citrus orchard, and had enough bananas to make them want to swing from every limb they encounter.  There is split-pea soup, garlic, and onion, low calorie, low carbohydrate, low fat/no fat, and even a chocolate diet people have tried.  There is “instant success” promotions where you virtually invest no money, no time, no effort, and no thought and magically people knock down your door to make you rich.  All you have to do is send $$$ for the product or shipping and handling and you’ll discover the secret to instant no effort success.  Hey, if that appeals to you, I have a stable full of unicorns and some ocean front property in the middle of the desert I’d like you to consider.

Coke claims to be the real thing but Dr. Pepper implies that if you are a Pepper your life will suddenly become full and exciting and Pepsi declares they are an entire generation.  Let me introduce you to a Fact, Truth, and Source that will Change Your Life!  Would you be interested in something that could…

  • Transform you from rags to riches.
  • Transform you from bondage to freedom.
  • Transform you from gloom to joy unspeakable.
  • Cause your mind to function better than ever.
  • Cause your thoughts to be cleaner and purer.
  • Cause your outlook on life to be sweeter and more positive.
  • Bring peace that is beyond anything imagined.
  • Cause your joy to be overflowing. 

            This Truth, when applied will usher you into a realm where you have VICTORY over the devil and you even look forward to spiritual encounters because of the Freedom and Power this Source Affords.  Let me introduce you to THE REAL THING. 

Back to our text verse, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven…”  Once God declares His will and word, that revelation becomes an established fact.  Matthew 24:35, declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”  Isaiah 40:8, reveals, “The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God shall stand forever.”

GOD’S WORD IS A SETTLED FACT…

No debate and no question for this Word is the same from generation to generation.  People change, ideologies change, doctrines change, churches change, traditions change, and nations change but GOD DOES NOT CHANGE!  (James 1:17)  His Word does not change it is constant and consistent.

I want to say more but will leave you with that thought that God’s Word Is a Settled Fact.  Meditate on that truth and it will have a powerful impact on your outlook on life and your direction.  God bless you as you go through this day. 

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THERE IS A PROCESS TO REACH THE PROMISE…


Spiritual Blog - Promise

John 8:31-32 – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  NKJV

 

I’ve been thinking about Israel’s journey into their Promised Land and I some things stood out in my meditation that is applicable to us today in our journey from where we are to the Place of Promise God has for us, individually and collectively.

  • Their Deliverance was not due to their Ability, Power, or Goodness, but solely based on God’s Grace.
  • Their Promised Land, though “legally” theirs, was occupied.
  • Before they could take Possession of their Promise they had go through a Wilderness.
  • They had to learn the Requirements and Conditions of the Covenant.
  • They had to determine who their Enemy was and learn How to Fight. 

I fully believe and often declare, “God wants us to be victorious.”  It is, without question, God’s desire that we “pull down strongholds.”  He wants us to put the enemy to flight and walk in victory and He wants us to “dispossess” the enemy.  Yet, we will never accomplish those things UNLESS we come to the place that we KNOW.  There are some things that we must LEARN and become fully acquainted with if we are to Possess the Promise.

We need to KNOW:

  • God’s Word, His Covenant Promises.
  • God, His Person, and Character.
  • Who We Are, in Christ.
  • Our Weapons of Warfare.
  • Our Enemy. (Not flesh and blood)

It is high time that we as believers and the Church, in general, learn how to fight spiritual warfare and possess our spiritual promises.  It is imperative that we “focus on principles”, learn to be “overcomers” and the reality that although some things are ours “legally” we sometimes fail to possess them “actually.”  I am totally convinced that for us to BECOME what God has purposed we have to PREPARE.  Preparation can be difficult and face much discouragement and will result in failure if we do not have a vision and/or goal.  We have to see the ultimate objective clearly and determine that nothing will deter us from reaching that destination.

There are Principles which are beyond important if we are to be successful in our journey from our “actual” position to our “legal” position, spiritually.  If we learn those principles and come to grips with those five things I mentioned at the beginning we will be able to fight the good fight of faith and reach the place of victory.  It is as we learn the Principles of Victory and understand that it is not because of us but by His Grace we move forward.  It is as we learn that although the Place of Promise is our legally it is occupied by an enemy, we are able to prepare for the battle and face reality.  It is as we understand that before we can possess the promise we will go through a wilderness training and there we learn the requirements and conditions of His Covenant.  Then, we must discover who our real enemy is and allow the Holy Spirit to train us for war.  Once we have those things in our hearts we must make the commitment to STAND and FIGHT.  We have the Promise and God has provided the armor.  You have a promise and there is an enemy who wants to keep you from possessing it.

Let’s move from longing for the Place of Promise to Preparing to Possess the Promise.  God bless you as you go through this day’s preparation in Him.

 

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WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST???


Spiritual Blog - Two Masters

Matthew 6:24-25 – “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

 25 “Therefore I say to you…”  NKJV

 

The Bible tell us that “where your treasure is, there your hearts will be also…”  [Luke 6:21].  That which holds our heart holds our love, loyalty, and life.  I have had people try to convince me that if I love God I have to hate possessions and money.  I find that counter-intuitive in many respects.  The Bible uses the word “hate” on a number of occasions not to be interpreted as “despise” but “love less”.  We are to have less an affinity for the things of this world, including money and/or possessions than we do for Christ and the things of God.  That is almost too simplistic a characterization but appropriate, in my view.

It is human nature to develop a love-hate relationship with things that run counter to that which we love supremely.  If we are placed in a position to choose between God or possessions we will gravitate toward one and develop and hatred for the other.  If we are driven by the pursuit of money or things we will find that our hearts have much less room for God and His principles and precepts.  We will find it necessary to justify our actions and lives to accommodate our supreme love, “mammon.”  If we are driven by a desire to “be holy, because He is holy” we will often develop a distrust and disgust for possessions.  Sadly, many never find a balance where God is supreme and possessions or mammon fits into the second position in a wholesome and healthy relationship.  We are “in” this world but not “of” it but we must never forget we are IN IT and therefore, need to learn to operate in it in the light of God and His word.

I am always amazed at how often we take verse 24 as an isolated and stand-alone passage ignoring the THEREFORE of verse 25.  The fact that verse 25 begins with THEREFORE is a reason to examine its content in conjunction with the message and warning of verse 24.  It is because of the truth and danger of verse 24 that we need verse 25.  It is because we cannot serve two masters and will either choose God or mammon that we need to understand the hope of verse 25.

Spiritual Blog - Love

THEREFORE, because you cannot serve two masters and will either serve God or mammon – DON’T WORRY or spend needless energy worrying about food, drink, clothing, housing, transportation, etc.  The continuation of the message of hope and reality continues through verse 33 and is powerful if we can receive it and understand that it is not possessions that are the problem but our being overly concerned with mammon.  It boils down to a matter of TRUST.  If we understand that our hearts cannot hold supreme allegiance to God and the driving pursuit of possessions or money we can then turn our faith to God and place our trust and confidence in Him and His ability and willingness to provide for us.  If I do not trust God completely then I will find mammon gaining strength in my life and focus.

The question is not just “What Do You Love Most?”  It is “What or Who Do You Trust?”  It boils down, simplistically to, Trust God or Trust Possessions.  If God has not met my timeframes, deadlines and schedules I may question whether I can fully and totally trust Him to provide.  But, if I “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” I find that His timing is perfect and my arbitrary deadlines and schedules are manufactured out of my limited ability to see.  He sees the end from the beginning and we see the beginning from the end.

            God bless you as you go through this day!

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YOU CAN’T FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT IN GOD…


Spiritual Blog - Fake It

 

Acts 19:11-20 – “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”  NKJV

 

 This devotional is available via YouTube in audio form.  The link is:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htwO5O2AiiQ&feature=youtu.be

 

I can understand this type of activity from non-believers but it is especially troubling when believers try to imitate someone being used of God in the miraculous.  I have learned and am totally convinced that God cannot be reduced to a formula but will always remain the Sovereign God of All Creation and just because He does His works one way through one does not mean that can be reduced to a formula.  This account illustrates the fallacy and insult to God in attempting to press Him into a box and manipulate His power.  It is not only foolish but dangerous to attempt to do so.

When a move of God transpires or a minister comes through and God uses that movement or minister in “the works that I do you shall do also” and brings the Book of Acts to life through them, I cringe when I see churches copying what was done.  They attempt to duplicate God’s works by mimicking what they say.  I have been informed I am not welcome in places because I refer to this passage when I see that.  We will not manifest God by mimicking what we see in another.  We will manifest God when we give our hearts wholly to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to direct our steps, words, and deeds.  There is no “shortcut” to God or God’s Power.

These men were impressed with the miraculous and wrongly assumed if they used the words and followed the pattern of Paul they would achieve the same result.  Boy, were they wrong and if it were not so tragic it would be comical when we see that in churches.  We must always remember it is, “Christ IN US the hope of glory.”  It is not what we see in another that is the hope of glory.  It is Christ IN US…  It is Christ THROUGH US.  It is Him manifesting Himself through us in the manner He chooses not how we decide He should.

Some hold the belief that the days of miracles are passed, but I cannot find that in the Bible after honest evaluation.  Yet, those same people, when faced with the need of a miracle, will ask people to pray.  Why?  If the days of miracles are passed, what is the point in wasting time praying for God to intervene and perform a miracle?  I believe this is in the same category as the saying, “There are no true atheists in foxholes during battle.”  I believe that we all believe in miracles when we need one and that suggests that deep inside we believe that God is God and can do today what He has done at any time in the past.  He is truly the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He does not change! 

I pray that God will help each of us allow Him to be God to us, for us, and through us at all times and in all situations.  God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

 

 

 

 

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