Life from Death

 The greatest event in the history of mankind is the resurrected life of Jesus given to man from the death of Jesus.  The question is do we believe this and do we understand that this amazing power is still active today.  

The perfect plan and awesome power of God is manifested in His transforming death in the flesh to give His eternal life to us.  In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus proclaimed this principle, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily (to die on), and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake with save it."  We are called on to believe in His death and resurrection, not just as a Jesus spectator, but as one who follows Jesus through believing faith that this principle also works in us.  God does not change and His Word is everlasting.

 "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain," according to Jesus. (John 12:24)   Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:9-11, likewise states that we are "always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh."  Most of us desire with all our hearts (at least I do!) that Jesus' life and power would be openly shown in and through me, but how do we allow this to happen?  Jackie Pullinger, missionary to drug addicts, prostitutes, and gang members in the walled city of Hong Kong, captures the answer with this phrase: "The Gospel always gives life to the receiver and death to the giver."  There is a cost.

  Jesus says to count the cost. Paul adds depth to this statement by sharing the horrendous cost that he paid through beatings, shipwreck, persecutions, and even death, as "light sufferings" not worthy to be compared to the "eternal weight of glory that is to be revealed in us."  However, more important and more compelling than the reward is the truth that Jesus, the Lamb of God, who gave His life for us is worthy of all we have to give.  If He willingly paid the ultimate price for all our sins, doesn't He deserve our willingness to give what and who we are?  God loves a cheerful giver.

 We must look in the mirror of God's Word to compare our life here on earth to eternity. "For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14)  How does a drop of water compare to a vast Pacific Ocean of water?  In short, no amount of time compares to being alive forever and ever.  Live your life from an eternal perspective.  

Therefore, in the words of Jim Elliot, missionary speared to death trying to give the Gospel to the Auca Indians in Ecuador, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us "to will and to work for His good pleasure," by believing and applying this truth, life from death, by laying down our lives and making whatever sacrifice is necessary to share the message of Jesus. Worthy is the Lamb to receive the reward for which He died. Jesus is worthy of it all.    

 

Heart Failure

Heart failure is when our heart does not line up with God's heart.  Consider your heart desires and what breaks your heart.  Do you desire in your heart what pleases God? And what breaks your heart, perhaps rejection, unfair treatment, unrequited love, when evil triumphs over what is right, betrayal, a cheating spouse, children who turn away from the Lord, loss of a loved one, financial pressures, or even the defeat of our favorite sports team. Since we as believers are one with Him, let's ask what is on God's heart or as the song goes "Break my heart with what breaks yours." 

Believers understand that Jesus died to save us and bring us into a loving relationship with Him that shares His glory and goodness forever.  John 3:16 clearly states, "He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  However, more than saving us from hell, Jesus clearly deserves the adoration and worship of every person because of what He has done for each of us on the cross.  He is worthy of it all.  We were created, according to Ephesians 1:11, for the praise of His glory.  What an incredible paradigm shift from thinking of ourselves to focusing on Jesus and what He rightly deserves!  

Many Scriptures declare that the result of the new covenant is that Christ (God) is in us and we are in Christ.  Obviously, our life goal now, since He gave it all for us, is to learn "how to walk and please God" (1 Thessalonians 4:1). While a study of what pleases God reveals many aspects of obedience and behavior, let's look at one rather important command which was the last thing Jesus said to us before He left this earth.  

Jesus' last words were "All authority has been given to Him on heaven and on earth, Go, therefore and make disciples of all of the nations..." according to Matthew 28.  Mark in 16:15 states the final command in a similar way, "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."  Finally, just before His ascension, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit which will enable us, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem (your home and family), and in all Judea (your fellow workers and people with similar backgrounds) and Samaria (neighbors and contacts beyond), and to the end of the earth (obviously other people and all nations)." (Acts 1:8)"

There are three significant motivations that now compel us to respond to the basic understanding of the purpose of our life on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:15 clearly reminds us, "He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." One motivation is compassion for other people, and their eternal destiny of heaven or hell.  Secondly, our love for God is shown by obeying His commands.  Jesus said, "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." (John 15:10)  Finally, the third and probably the most powerful motivation is for the glory of God and His Kingdom. 

Revelation 4 gives a glimpse of the worship that goes on forever in heaven, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and for your pleasure they exist and were created." Jesus clearly deserves all the praise, thanksgiving, and glory of every person for which He willingly suffered and died, until He is all in all (Ephesians 1:22).  The purpose of missions, to reach every person with the Gospel, is more than getting people saved but rather that every created being would worship God and honor Jesus who rightly earned it.

Jim Elliot and the Ecuador Five gave their lives because of compassion for the Auca Indians and where they will spend eternity.  C. T. Studd, an outstanding cricket player in England, and the Cambridge seven left human accolades and a life of luxury and fame to obey the command of Jesus to go.  In his own words, "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." In short, if we do not obey Him, then He is not our Lord.  Finally, two Moravian missionaries who chose to become slaves in the West Indies to share the Gospel with the natives, were heard to declare as their ship left the harbor, "Worthy is the Lamb.  May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering." 1 Corinthians 10:31 confirms this truth, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  

In light of Jesus' command to go and make disciples, John Piper summed it up succinctly that we have only three choices, "Go, send, or disobey."  Sometimes we ask what can I do?  Let me give another example, John Hyde had difficulty in learning the language when he went to India and Pakistan, because he had impaired hearing and was poor at speaking. He began to pray 2 hours a day that lost souls would come to know Jesus, then continued to increase the time until he prayed all day.  Through the intercession of Praying Hyde, as he became known, millions of souls in Pakistan came to know Jesus Christ.  

Ephesians 2:10 says that each of us has "work which God prepared beforehand."  What part of the harvest of all souls has He called each of us?  How concerned are you for your unbelieving family members and neighbors, yet alone the lost of the world?  Would you start by taking a few minutes every day to pray for the lost, and then ask Him for and look for opportunities to share the hope that is in you? (1 Peter 3:15). The commands of Jesus aren't just for missionaries and "super" Christians, Jesus directs His commands to all of us common, ordinary people.  Go, send, or disobey.  If your heart does not line up with His, God can heal your "heart failure."  Ask the Holy Spirit to break your heart with what breaks the heart of God.  God will transform the heart that comes to Him, "to will and to work for His pleasure."

Battle for Healing: Faith and Patience Inherit the Promises

 Jesus shed His blood to forgive sins, but at the same time His body was broken beyond recognition (Isaiah 52:14), so we could be made whole, "by His stripes we were healed (1 Peter 2:24)."  Many people know this truth until they get a diagnosis for cancer or some other ailment, then the real battle of the mind begins.  

We may also know that 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 reveals that in this war we have supernatural power for "pulling down strongholds, casting arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."  Since God's thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55) are not our thoughts and ways, it is necessary to renew the mind or our way of thinking to prove that "good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  Jesus promised, and He has kept that promise, to send the Holy Spirit to teach us all things so we have the mind of Christ.  

Here lies the problem: many of us are aware we aren't good enough, haven't prayed enough, and in short, don't deserve to be healed.  We think we need to convince God to heal us.  Number one, it is already done, it is finished, the price has been paid in full.  Number two, God delights to show mercy (Micah 7:18) because that is part of His nature and His mercy endures forever.  He heals because He loves and cares about us.  So rather than trying to persuade God to heal, we are called to agree with God that it is done.  What we are actually doing is standing with God against the devil and his attack on our bodies, which happens to be God's temple.  God wants to confirm His Word and is waiting on us to stand with the authority He has given, so He can crush Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20).  

Therefore, each time we declare "by His stripes I am healed (Isaiah 53:4)," or realize His benefits "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all my iniquities, who heals all my diseases (Psalm 103:2) " or enable the Holy Spirit by saying  "the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead gives life to my mortal body (Romans 8:11)" we are agreeing with God against the devil.  Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and He never changes, He continues to destroy the works of the devil as we declare His Word.  Don't give up or shrink back by thinking maybe I don't believe enough, just depend on the simple stated principle of Hebrews 6:12, "faith and patience inherit the promises."  God is faithful to keep HIs promises.

1 Peter 5:8-10 reminds us that the devil is looking for someone to devour and then instructs us to "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to HIs eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

Fight the good fight of faith and let God complete His good work in and through you.  Be healed, in the name of Jesus!  Praise God forever!

Ankle Deep?

How deep are you in God?   A mile wide and only one inch deep!  This is the description of the American church by a Chinese Christian who had suffered persecution for his faith in Jesus.  

Consider the Word in Ezekiel 47: There was water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar.”  Jesus told the Samaritan woman that if she asked He would have given her living water.  Clearly the water represents the life and revelation of Jesus that flows from God.

However, notice the truth that the Ezekiel passage continues to share.  God’s representative (the Holy Spirit) brought the man through the waters and it was ankle deep.  A thousand cubits downstream the man was brought through the waters again, it was up to his knees.  Another thousand, it was up to his waist. Finally, another thousand, and the man could not walk across but only could let the water carry him.  Everything this water touches is healed and lives!   

Question:  how deep is your knowledge of Jesus and your walk in His living water?   Many of us realize God has called us to be a light in the world and a witness of Him that draws others to come to the Father.  However, there is a universal principle that you can only give what you have. 

The conclusion is simple.  If you want to see more of the power of God in your life and desire to make a difference in more people’s lives, you have to get deeper in God yourself.  Jesus, in John 17, prayed that He dedicated Himself to the Father's will so His followers would dedicate themselves. Obviously, we can step out into Him until the living water carries us rather than keeping our feet on the earth and only letting Him only flow around our ankles, or knees, or waist.  Those who know their God will do great exploits, according to Daniel 11:32.

There is no substitute for spending time with Him, for letting the Word abide in you, and hearing and obeying His voice.  Can you let the Spirit help you answer the question, how deep is your walk in God?  Then, ask Him to take you deeper.

What are you thinking?

 You control what you let your mind think about or dwell on.  As it is written in Romans 8:5-8, God's Word tells us to set our minds on things of the Spirit rather than letting our thoughts be controlled by how the flesh feels or thinks.  Simply stated,  "set your mind" is what are you thinking about, or what thoughts you allow to dwell in your mind.  

Here is the full verse: (Romans 8:5-8) " For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.  So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."  

Jesus said to "Take no thought for tomorrow" which likewise confirms that we have the ability to keep or reject thoughts.  (Matthew 6:34)

Man, in his fallen nature, thinks that his way and his thoughts are right.  Yet the truth is the very opposite.  Notice the verse from Isaiah 55.   “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."   What an awesome description of how different God's thoughts and ways are above and totally different that what we feel, think, or want to do!

Capturing every thought is central to the spiritual battle.  Jesus defeated Satan and spoiled all the powers of darkness, according to Colossians 2, and made a public example of them by His overcoming cross and resurrection.  However, even though Satan is defeated, he can still hold us in bondage if we believe his lies and give place to them in our minds.  

Notice how 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 explains where the spiritual war really is. " For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not  carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.  God has given us the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of His Word, the cleansing and covering of HIs blood, and His authority in the name of Jesus.  We win or lose the battle by whether or not we use these mighty weapons to put down the imaginations in our heart and mind.  Obviously, choosing to only think our thoughts of the flesh is death.  .     

This is why Paul, in Romans 12, states that the way to give yourself to God is by letting the Holy Spirit change you from conforming to the world  by renewing your thinking to line up with God's Word.  A  renewed mind transforms us and provides proof or demonstration of God's good and perfect will.  See this truth in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.   And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

What is on your mind today? As a man thinks, so is he.  (Proverbs 23:7)

Proverbs 23:7

Jesus Christ, Our Living Hope

Hope is an eternal quality whose foundation is the character and nature of God Himself. Based on the fact that God is faithful to keep His promises, hope is a confident expectation of the Lord “always leading us in triumph,’ of “making all things work for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose,” and of all the other promises given in His Word.  Though hope looks forward to things not yet seen, by faith it has the power to motivate and strengthen us to willingly live for Him now. 

God’s perfect eternal plan was to send His Son to rescue us from sin and death and reconcile us to the Father.  Hope was demonstrated as Jesus submitted to His death and was raised to glorious life, with the promise that we will likewise be raised and become like Him, our living hope.  We look forward to His glorious coming and a fulfilled life sharing divine nature with Him for eternity.  

 Contrary to the way the word is commonly used as “wishing,” such as someone might “hope” their sports team wins, true hope is based on solid promises and is the security of knowing things to come.  This know-so attitude rests on the faithful promises of God, who cannot lie.  As an anchor of our soul, this powerful force gives strength to be faithful and steadfast in our daily challenges.  In the midst of trials, as declared in 1^st Corinthians 10, we are reminded that “God is faithful” to provide both strength to endure and to show us the way of escape.  Likewise, Paul in his epistles considers all his trials as nothing compared to sharing the glory of God forever. As an expression of God's love and grace, 2 Thessalonians 2 promises that this “good hope” and “eternal consolation,” will comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 

So God’s prayer for you and me is “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,” Romans 15:13.

Sheep Don’t But(t)

Show and tell is always a favorite of school children.  We get satisfaction sharing our treasures and the things that give us pleasure with others.  However, God’s kingdom is set up exactly opposite: Tell and show. We speak faith prayers and then the answer is shown.

Jesus taught this amazing principle in Mark 11:23-25:  “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”  Notice the order.  First you believe you receive them before you get them.  Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen.  By faith we are sure it has been granted before the answer appears.  This confidence is strongly reiterated in 1 John 5:14-15, “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

Let’s see how this principle applies to making prayers of faith.  Someone may pray for healing according to the Word “by His stripes I am healed,” but then say the pain is still there.  Our words have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21).  The “but” statement comes from the physical and overrides the spiritual truth of the prayer for healing.  Things of God are spirit and truth, they come to our spirit, and then the spiritual truth in the heart and declared by the lips impacts the physical.  It is the same foundation upon which we were saved.  We receive the truth that Jesus’ death and resurrection justifies us (it is finished meaning every sin is paid for in full), and establish this reality of salvation by declaring with our lips, “Jesus is Lord.”  We willingly acknowledge He owns us and we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), even if we don’t “feel” any change.  However, this spiritual truth produces new life in us as we receive it and begin to walk it out in faith.  Life flows from the spiritual to the physical.

Consider the application of this principle in the sheep and goats in the Matthew 25 explanation of judgment. Jesus separated the sheep from the goats.  Clearly the main difference was what each one did and did not do to others.  The goats saw the need but had an excuse. Their “but” was more persuasive than the Word that ordered them to love others as themselves. On His right hand, the sheep didn’t “but,” and responded with love and compassion to those in need.

Imitate the sheep attitude by refusing to let the physical excuses and reasonings stop us from holding fast our confession of faith or obedience to God.   I am still saved and born again even if I fail to do everything right.  I am healed and my needs are met because of God’s faithful promise not because my physical sensations.  They will follow.  Don’t let physical input nullify your faith confession.  James points out that a double minded man should not think that he will receive.  Faith and patience inherit the promises.  

God’s Word is yes and amen.  We receive it by giving thanks (Philippians 4:6 make supplication with thanksgiving) and establish this truth by our speaking His words rather than saying the thoughts and feelings of our fallen nature.  Sheep don’t but.

Why Your Words Talk

 God’s Word is alive! His words are active and do things according to Hebrews 4:12,  The words from His mouth accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 55:11).  Since we are created in the image and likeness of God, it follows that  this same principle operates in your words and my words.  Our words are never void of power.

There are, however, two sides to this coin.  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, (Proverbs 18:21) and we will eat the fruit of what we. speak.  We can make positive things happen with our words, but speaking negatively will open the door for the enemy to perform the evil spoken. Job explained that the evil he feared (and spoke) came upon him.

  Jesus revealed that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. So when we say “I think I am getting a cold” that is what we believe in our heart and we have just allowed that to happen. However, on the other hand, declaring that God “renews my strength like the eagles” (Psalm 103:5} or that the Holy Sprit gives life to my body just like He raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11)  that confession releases His power and produces physical health.

Words are containers that are able to hold the spiritual power and authority that the speaker puts in them. That is why God gave us the Word of God and sent Jesus to demonstrate what the Word does.  God spoke, “let there be light” and creative power went forth.  In Psalm 107:20 it declares He sent forth His Word and healed them.  Jesus spoke that the demon “be gone “ and he fled.  healed.  Obviously, these actions were in the heart of God who expressed them by speaking His words.  

Jesus is the exact image of God the Father“according to Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3.  This Jesus and the name of Jesus contains” the heart of the loving Father and all His attributes. It follows that the spoken name of “Jesus,” which is the name above all names, releases the authority and attributes of God over every other force or circumstance.

Someone once asked God why He wanted us to praise Him so much because it sounds almost egotistical.  The Lord answered, “When you praise, whatever you praise Me for, that you allow Me to do for you.” When two agree it will come to pass.  Amos says, “How can two walk together unless they agree.”

The great confession or declaration is that Jesus has redeemed us from all the consequences of sin.  We are saved according to Romans 10:8-10 by the confession of our mouth, being justified by believing in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead (meaning every sin which deserves death has been completely paid for).  We declare Jesus over our problems and then our real job is to hold fast to that confession that He is Lord by speaking words that declare He rules over every enemy.

Jesus” message in the Gospels was (and therefore IS absolutely true)  that the kingdom of God has come.”  Therefore, it makes sense since we know that awesome truth, that He reigns over my needs ( met by His riches in glory Philippians 4:19), heals my sickness and pains (by His stripes I am healed Isaiah 53:4 and Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, O my soul, forget not His benefits, who heals all your diseases) that we should agree with His Word by speaking this truth also.

Your words talk.  They carry life or death. They release God’s power when they are consistent to the Word, and reject His power when they disagree.  

Holy Spirit, teaches us to agree with Your Word in our hearts and boldly speak them into existence over all our situations.  Stop us when we say wrong words which are contrary to God’s promises.  You make my words talk!

Be Silent

 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.  Psalm 62:5.  

Have you noticed how many people avoid being silent, constantly being on their cell phones,  having to have some music playing, watching something on Tik-tok, checking Facebook or other social media, or having to be entertained by trivial programs with no redeeming value?  Something has to be blaring all the time.  Some can’t even eat a meal without the television being on.  People have difficulty shutting off the distractions and just being silent.

This consuming wandering in the wilderness takes up their time and steals the opportunity to focus on reality, time to appreciate the beauty or glory of nature, or even to consider the ultimate meaning and purpose of life.  Psalm 46 calls out, “Be still and know that I am God.”

In the parable of the wedding feast, the majority of those invited had worldly excuses rather than accepting the invitation to come to the master’s banquet.  Psalm 65:4 declares “How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your courts.”  Jesus reminds us that we did not choose Him, He chose us. He desires us to be with Him, even to be where He is (John 17:24) to share His glory forever.

Jesus invites us to “Come to Me” and “learn from Me” rather than carry our heavy burdens alone. Yet the average person spends far greater time and effort on mundane pursuits than on living by or reflecting on eternal purpose, even though our choices in this lifetime on earth establishes our position forever.  Nothing of eternal significance happens “unless the Lord builds the house.”  Likewise, the disciples and the 120 in the upper room were told to wait until they were clothed with power from on high before they were to go. Wait in silence for God to fill the cup.

Jesus called the man a fool, who built bigger barns for his abundant crop but was not rich toward God.  He also instructs us to lay up our treasures in heaven and promises rewards for simple things like giving a child a cup of water.  God has, according to Ephesians 2:10, prepared good works beforehand  “that we should walk in them.”  There is work to do in which God has given and desires to partner (take My yoke)  with us to do. Romans 8 says those led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  We can do nothing of value unless we take time to come to Him and wait on Him to direct us.

In returning and rest shall you be saved (be made whole), in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15.  He leads me by still waters, He restores my soul. Psalm 23:3  Amazing transformation and equipping happens as we are with the Lord.  

As Ecclesiastes 5 instructs, when you come to God let your words be few.  Practice being silent before Him.  Close the door on distractions, quietly wait and enjoy being with Him.

Wanted: Dead or Alive

The heart of God desires and treasures you. You are the apple of His eye, the one in whom He delights.  You are wanted, regardless of whatever condition your heart is in, because He is love.   Notice His perfect plan which is to have each person saved from the consequences of sin and brought into knowing Him and His love forever, as declared in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 , “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”   

Supernatural blessings are available and given to each person. The obvious foundation of His gift of love to man is “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Other verses likewise show His care and provision for every person.  In the last days I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.  It rains on the just and the unjust.  The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.  Psalm 145:9. The Lord opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16. 

Consider the parable of the man who found a treasure in the field. He willingly sold or gave up all he had and bought the field, not for the land, but for the treasure within it.    Jesus is the man.  He gave up His heavenly glory to become a man and then as a man humbled Himself laying down up all He had, including His life blood (Philippians 2), in order to claim the treasure in the field/world, which is you and I.  Because of the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.

Satan’s lie is that you are a nobody, just a number, a creature of chance and evolution like one of the animals with no life purpose or future.  The suicide rate of young people has risen as they see no reason to live.  Revelation 12:9 calls the devil and Satan, the one “who deceived the whole world.” Jesus correctly declared Satan was a liar and that there is no truth in him.

However, on the other hand, Jesus sees you so absolutely valuable that He takes joy in being willing to die for you.  “Because of the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2), He endured the cross and the humiliation and suffering.  You are worth it, actually worth infinitely more than you could ask, think, or imagine. Be still a moment, look up to the Father, and just receive His personal love, like a big engulfing hug in your spirit.

When God breathed His life into man whom He had formed from the “dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7), this breath of God crated man as an eternal being designed to live with Him and share His glory forever.  Even though man sinned and fell short, God never gave up on us, but sent Jesus to redeem us, paying the awesome price of His own blood to bring us back to the Father.  After all this demonstration of His love and purpose, God still allows us to choose.  “I have set before you life and death” (Deuteronomy 30:19) with the revealing of His heart, “Choose life” that you may live.

Those who receive Him He gave the right to become children of God.  How do you receive Him?  The answer is a simple “yes” in our heart and telling Him “thank you” just as you would if someone gave you a special present.

Regardless of whether you are dead in sin or alive in Jesus, you are wanted, loved, and treasured by the Lord who desires you to simply come to Him and be filled with every good thing forever.  Lay down your pride and excuses, and as the Billy Graham revival song says, “just as I am, O Lamb of God, I come.”

Are You Righteous?

 “I am innocent” is the concluding verse in the worship song, “I am washed in the blood of the Lamb.”  Really? This truth seems beyond our ability to believe, but we must consider the awesome price and reason to grasp this reality.  Romans 5:9 states we are “now justified by His blood.” A powerful definition of justified is “just as if I’d” been perfect.

 Scripture in Leviticus 17:11 confirms that the life is in the blood and that there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. How much more true when we realize that the blood of Jesus on the cross that He poured out willingly is the life of God with infinite value.

It is a wonderful thing to have our sins forgiven, but what Jesus did for us is much more!  Consider this illustration: suppose you are arrested for going 60 in a speed zone of 40 mph. When you are before the judge he could choose to show mercy and say it is forgiven, you are free to go.  Guilty but pardoned.  However, what if upon inspection it is discovered that the policeman’s radar gun was set 20 miles per hour too fast.  In this case you are justified, just as if I’d been perfect, because the evidence supports the verdict not guilty and you are free to go as a completely innocent driver.  Notice this truth in 1 John 1:9, how the blood of Jesus cleanses us, “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sin AND to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus talked about the “ruler of this world” coming but then reassured His followers that “he has nothing in Me.” John 14:30. Since through the blood of Jesus we are supernaturally joined to Him, that is we are in Him and He is us, we likewise share the same truth, “Satan has nothing in us.” 1 John 5:18 points out this same truth about the one who is born of God, “the wicked one does not touch him.”  No wonder Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony.

The Bible teacher asked his students (and I ask you), “How many of you are righteous?”  After some deliberation, only one or two raised their hand.  Wrong answer?  2 Corinthians 5:21 states that Jesus became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  Righteousness, or being right with God, suggests that everything contrary to His nature is removed and secondly, you have an intimate position of closeness being right with God.  Yes, believe it and receive it by giving thanks, you are righteous.  In God’s eternal court, you are innocent! 

Treasure the fact and declare it, “I am justified by the blood of the Lamb, it is just-as-if-I’d been perfect.”  Jesus, You are my righteousness and in You I am righteous forever.

Song quoted; Washed by Upperoom lyrics, found on YouTube

Standing Firm Through Trials

 Trials happen.  Read the first part of the verses given below.  Then, knowing that by your strength you cannot win, now read the All Caps print which describes God’s intervention and His giving us total victory. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, BUT THE LORD DELIVERS THEM OUT OF THEM ALL.  Psalm 34:19

In the world you will have tribulation, but BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. John 16:33

Beloved, do not consider it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but REJIOCE  TO THE EXTENT THAT YOU PARTAKE OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS, THAT WHEN  HIS GLORY IS REVEALED, YOU MAY ALSO BE GLAD WITH EXCEEDING JOY.    1 Peter 4:12-13

Above all put on the shield of faith, that you may be ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE EVIL ONE. Ephesians 6:16

No trial has overtaken you that is not common to man, but GOD IS FAITHFUL, WHO WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU ARE ABLE, BUT WITH THE TEMPTATION WILL ALSO MAKE THE WAY OF ESCAPE.                     1 Corinthians 10:13

Satan is the accuser who does all in his power to destroy the will of Christians to stand firm in trials, even though Jesus through His death and resurrection has purchased and given to us “all that pertains to life and godliness” and “through His precious and exceedingly great promises” we not only escape the corruption that is in the world, but literally partake of the divine nature of God. 2 Peter 1:3-4  

That is why we can afford to do what is declared in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.” This principle of knowing God is growing us up and forming His own image in us through trials is also found in Romans 5:3-5,  “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.  Clearly God gives grace to obey this Word, so in faith, we can rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances (1Thessalonians 5:18 says this is the will of God for you!).  Jesus has overcome every battle and He lives in us which causes us to overcome every trial and attack of the enemy.

Whose report will you believe?  Satan is a liar.  Choose to believe Jesus by letting the truth of these promises get in your heart, then declaring them boldly until the light dawns and you see the Lord come through!

Shout to God with a voice of triumph and delight the heart of God by refusing to let trials undermine your firm love and faith in God.

Hear the Lion Roar!

 A Lion is roaring (Amos 3:8), who can but respond to His majestic voice and spring into action?

“There is a snake in the grass,” my son reported.  Children play in our yard, so it didn't make sense to keep sitting in my easy chair and pretend there was no problem. This threat was real and demanded action. Therefore, with determination I got a shovel and went into the yard and hunted until I found the snake and took care of it.  

However, many believers hear Jesus’ message that the devil is roaming about to “steal, kill, and destroy” and yet do nothing.  The Word in James 4:7 tells believers to “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  Paul reminds us that the victorious Christian life calls us to “fight the good fight of faith.”   2 Corinthians 10:3-4 points out that we are fighting a war, not in the flesh, but using the spiritual weapons that are mighty in God. The reality of our present situation demands action, that we fight.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Since He only did what the Father showed Him, clearly it is God’s will to destroy the works of the devil.  In Luke 9:1 when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, the first thing He gave them was “power and authority over all demons.”  Likewise, after the seventy return they excitedly declared, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.”  

Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.  Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you,”. Furthermore, Jesus’ final instruction in Matthew 28 was “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”  Jesus has overcome the devil and we are commanded to “go therefore” in His name  releasing the power and authority of Jesus over sin, sickness, and the devil.

Rather than staying comfortable in our easy chair ignoring the onslaught of the devil, it is time to hear the Lion roar!  In the authority of God’s Word and in the name of Jesus, take your God-given authority and command the devil to stop.  In the words of Jesus when tempted, “Be gone, Satan.”

The Lion of Judah roars and seeks for willing servants who in the same divine intensity hate evil and the destruction of the evil one enough to cast out demons and take authority over all the power of the evil one.  Rule in the midst of your enemies (Psalm 110:2) until every tongue in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.  (Philippians 2:10-11).

Do With Time You Have Left

 “How long do you plan to live?” asked the social security advisor.  Of course, only God knows our time when our mission on earth is complete.  A more important question is “What are you going to do with the time you have left in your life?”

God has given to each one only a certain time to sow godly seed and “lay up treasures in heaven” which will make a difference for eternity.  The Spirit encourages me to do all in my power “while it is day because when night comes no man can work.”

Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.  Job received four times as many blessings in his latter days. The path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter until the noon day (Proverbs 4:17).  The Kingdom of God increases.  Therefore, God has put it on my heart to ask the Holy Spirit to make me at least twice as fruitful in my remaining days as I have been in all my past times.  

Jesus declares in John 15:7-8 that if we abide in Him and His Word abides in us we would bear much fruit, which glorifies the Father. Scripture accurately points out that “the outer man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” or as Psalm 103 states, your youth is renewed like the eagles.  The power and anointing of God living in us is as the small mustard seed that has grown into a large tree (Luke 13:19).  

Therefore, the point is that the reason that we continue to grow into the fullness of Christ’s nature and have more wisdom, ever increasing faith, and are more constrained by the love of God is to accomplish His purpose   To whom much is given, much is required.  As we mature, we are meant  to be the most productive, most effective instruments in God’s white harvest fields. 

Once I was complaining to God about the poor, unfortunate people at the nursing home that are just waiting to die. The Lord spoke into my spirit, “That was never my intention or purpose for nursing homes.  They were meant to be powerhouses of prayer and blessing, because these people no longer have to busy themselves with life demands but rather have the experience and wisdom to be intercessions for their family.”

Doing nothing as one gets older is such a waste of all God has given.  The Spirit desires to give new direction, renew our strength, and let us become fruitful to the very end of our mission on earth.  Be like Paul who expressed his life passion, “Reaching forward to the things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

Join me in praying, “God, make me more fruitful in the time remaining in my life than I have ever been.”  May God be glorified.

His Word is His Will

 God’s will for you is to be transformed into a new creation, a child of God Himself, while putting away the old sinful nature.  He desires to live in you, making you into the nature of Christ, and presenting you holy and blameless before the Father.  Jesus became sin (our old fallen nature) so we could become the righteousness of God.  As 2 Peter states clearly “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious, that through these you may be partakes of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

This transforming work seems too good to be true, beyond what we could think, ask, or imagine.  How can we ever believe God would treasure us so much that He would do all for us and purpose for us to live in abundant life and glory with Him forever? The answer is to receive God’s Word, His exceedingly great and precious promises until this truth renews our mind and soul.

Consider what Jesus said about His Word  “If you continue in the Word, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32  In His final prayer He asks the Father to “Sanctify them (us) by Your truth, Your Word is truth.” To sanctify means to set apart for His own special purpose. 

The Apostle Paul also understood this life-giving power of the Word, when leaving the Ephesians (Acts20:32), “I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

Faith, or believing God’s amazing love and plan for us, comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  Jesus even joins the Word and His presence as conditions of believing prayer.  “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.” He further states believing prayer and fruitful results glorifies the Father and shows you are a disciple, one who follows God’s ways.

In the beginning was the Word according to John 1, and in Revelation 19, His name is revealed as The Word of God.  Everything begins and ends, the alpha and the Omega, with Jesus revealed and manifested by the Word.  His Word enlightens every man.

Over and over the Scriptures declare the benefits of and instructions of how to let the Word of God dwell in us richly.  Young men are strong and overcome the evil one because the Word abides in them.  Jesus countered the devil’s temptation by pointing out man doesn’t live by bread alone but by every Word of God.  

In short, you will never know the truth and the glorious future God has provided for you unless you read, reflect, let dwell in you, and absorb the promises of the Word.  You can know His will for you by being in His Word.

Job Done Right

 If you want the job done right…

How do you complete that sentence?  The wisdom of the world says “Do it yourself.”  But Jesus shows the way of God which is to teach others.  “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” His plan was to teach and demonstrate Kingdom living and then entrust the work to His disciples, with the promise to equip and guide them by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can’t do it without His help and He has chosen to allow us to be His body whom He sends and equips to complete the task.

We see Paul follow the same principle in dealing with Timothy.  “The things you heard from me, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2. 

A more important question is teach and do what?  Christian parents and Christian schools spent great effort to educate and train their children. However, often the goal is to be able to get a good job and have a successful and comfortable life, perhaps realistically defined as a well paying job, a lovely spouse and good family, a nice house and car with all the comforts this world can give. 

What is the distortion of this objective?  Is that really the goal that God has given?  What about “Seek first the kingdom of God.” or “He who loses his life for My sake will find life.”? Rather than being a worldly success, we must teach and be an example of living for the Lord.  James gives a stronger warning, saying if we love the world, love of the Father is not in us.

The heart of our purpose is to love and serve God, and love our neighbor.   Jesus obviously came to take care of sin and to establish the Kingdom of God on earth  Each of us who know God have the assignment to share that love and truth in our sphere of influence.  In the words of Jesus, you are the light of the world.

Following the pattern of Jesus who demonstrated and taught the ways of God, thus making disciples who could continue His mission, we are told to make disciples.  

So if you want the job done right, make godly disciples.

Are You the Most Blessed?

 You are “most blessed forever,” according to Psalm 21:6.  Most blessed in what way?  His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), so it follows that when Jesus is our shepherd, I shall not want.  My needs are met according to His riches in glory.  By His stripes I am healed.  He always leads me in triumph and no weapon formed against me shall prosper.  All things work together for good for me because I love Him and am called according to His purpose.  Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. 

Are these statements true for you and are you  really “most blessed forever,” as the king before God?  Since Jesus has made you and  me to be priests and kings forever (1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 1:6) we are the ones this psalm is talking about as kings, and joint heirs with Jesus receiving everything He has purchased through His death and resurrection.  It is true and more than we could ask, think, or imagine. As children of God who by grace share His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), we have intimate relationship with Jesus, our living hope of eternal glory forever!

In the Gospel of John, Jesus explained various truths as “now is and will be.”  There are times we “feel” and easily declare these positive Scriptures are true in our lives, but there also may be times when circumstances and feelings are screaming against them.  In these challenging times we are called to “fight the good fight of faith.”  We live by faith and not sight, 2 Peter 1:4 reminds us that “through these precious and great promises we escape the corruption that is in the world and partake of divine nature. 

At a recent prayer meeting in Tulsa, the Lord gave a word that the enemy was throwing firry farts designed to “destroy our will to fight.”  Therefore, the Lord is calling us to stand strong in His power, cast down every thought and imagination that is contrary to Christ, and equipped in God’s armor take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit declaring the Word of God as Jesus did in the wilderness against the devil. 

Faith and patience inherit the promises. In Revelation Jesus reminds us that trying times call for the endurance of the saints. We encourage you, like Abraham, to not waver in your faith, but continue to give Him glory for what He has promised.  We will make it and every word of God will prove true.  He is faithful.

Run with Horses

Jeremiah 12:5 exhorts us, "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you run with horses?"  

 Get ready.  The pot is starting to boil!  Prophetic warnings sound across the world that the time of the Lord's return is short and the intensity of the battle with the powers of darkness is increasing exponentially.  However, Jesus shifts our attention from what is happening in the world to focusing on the glory of His plan, “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28.

 Sudden or tragic events do not mean it is a time to panic, but rather a fresh awareness to put on the armor, stand equipped declaring the Word, and seeing the kingdom of God overcome all.  Jesus promises, "in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  Furthermore, as 1 John 5 states, because He overcomes, all who are born of Him also overcome!

Several times in John 14 Jesus explains to His disciples that He is telling them what is coming so that when it comes they continue to believe.  Since we have His assurance that He is working all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, we can afford to rejoice, trust Him, and simply “see the salvation of God,” as He told the Israelites at the Red Sea.   The book of Revelation is the “revelation of Jesus Christ” according to verse 1:1 and the message is clearly that He is King of kings and Lord of lords who triumphs over all evil establishing the kingdoms of the world as kingdoms of our Lord.

Praise God forever!  Heaven and earth declare He is worthy of all glory and honor and praise.  Therefore, every time we hear of one more negative thing happening, it is time to praise the Lord more for being greater and conquering this area too   Let’s turn every enemy work into thanksgiving and praise for the victory of Jesus, because God is not mocked, every act and word will receive His just retribution.  Yes, rejoice and give Him glory for His faithfulness and perfect plan.

  

Know the Word is From God

 “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God” or simply your own human authority, according to Jesus in John 7:17.  Jesus not only declares His sheep hear and know His voice, He also tells us how to know the difference between His voice and the voice of “strangers” (John 10).

When we receive thoughts or images, our first goal is to determine whether it is from God or just our own manufactured ideas.  The truth is God is much closer than most of us realize.  As Paul explains in Acts 17:28, “In Him we live and move and have our being.”  We are temples of the Holy Spirit and by His presence Jesus further declared that the Father and Jesus would also make their home in us.” Jesus told Pilate everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.  

Since we have asked the Lord to speak, by faith choose to believe and receive it from Him.  Don’t question it at this point (we will provide a means of testing it later.), but faithfully write down everything that comes to you.  Yes, write it down rather than assume you will remember.  Take time to let the Lord say all He wants, don’t take a small bite and run away.  The real objective is to have fellowship,, a relationship where He and you can share what is on your hearts.

I repeat, write it down.  God told Moses to write it down.  God told Habakkuk (ch 2, v 3) to write the vision clearly on tablets so all could read it.  Now you have the  written message to examine its authenticity and godly instruction.

The first test, always, is does it agree with God’s Word.  God does not change and will never give a message contrary to His eternal nature and direction.  For example, He won’t tell you to lie, or steal, or be involved in immoral sexual behavior when His Word has clearly stated His commands.  

Secondly, James 3:17 states the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy  and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.  Proverbs reminds us the wisdom of many counselors and this is a good time to have a wise counselor, a spiritual person who can help you determine if it meets God’s standard, especially if the spoken Word demands major changes.

The point of these past four posts is that God loves you and delights in sharing His heart with you  Rather than believe the lie that “I don’t hear God,” try following these simple steps and enjoy His presence and personal messages for your heart  1) Get alone and prepare your heart with thanksgiving, praise, and praying in the Spirit, 2) Lay down your thoughts and desires, and take authority over the devil forbidding him to speak, 3)  Ask the Lord to confirm His Word and speak to you as His child that wishes to do His will, 4) Receive and believe the words and thoughts that come to you are from Him by WRITING them down, and finally evaluate the message jin light of God’s Word and godly counsel.

Jesus, who loves you so much that He willingly died for you, longs to spend time with you and speak to you.

Heart Ready and Open to Hear

 Why did the prophets of old get a minstrel before they could hear God?  Why does Psalm 100 say to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts wit praise?  Why does worship and praying in tongues bring us into the right disposition, or tuned into the right channel, to hear God?   

The answer is that God is a spirit (and has created us in his likeness) so his “still, small voice” is directly to our heart or spirit.  In eternity, as you may have noticed from the report of people who died and went to heaven, communication is spirit to spirit.  We will just “know” what Jesus or any other person is “saying.”

Jesus pointed out the necessity of being right with our brother before we come to the altar of God,  The application of this principle is to let the Spirit search our heart, then repent and ask forgiveness so the blood of Jesus can cleanse us of any unrighteousness  We want to draw near to God with a clean heart.

One of the serious questions people often wonder about is how do I know this “voice” isn’t from the devil?  If that is a concern, take care of it by using your authority in the name of Jesus  Just as Jesus commanded the demon to be quiet, simply declare, satan and any demon I forbid you to speak, I command you to go in the name of Jesus.

Once we have cleansed our temple, and asked the Lord to speak to us, all we need to do is wait and expect the Lord to speak to our heart  If you recall the pattern of Habakkuk “I will watch and see what the Lord will say to me.”

Expect the next promptings or thoughts that come to be from the Lord.

We will deal with this next concept and whether the voice is from God or just our thoughts in the next post.  The message today is making sure our heart is prepared and open to hear.