Better and Better Forever!

A friend of mine suggested that Christians should be the most joyful people on earth.  He is right, of course.  Jesus pictured His life in us (John 15) like a vine and its fruitful branches pointing out "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." 

My joy and pleasure as a young student pilot just learning to fly was to watch planes take off and land graciously.  One day in a dream I was laying by the runway of a busy airport and these huge planes were lifting off and coming in right next to me.  In my heart and mind, this was close to the greatest feeling in the whole world.  Then a small voice that I recognized spoke, "You know what is so great about your life in the Lord, it is going to get better and better forever!"

Knowing Jesus and His eternal love and peace is "my exceeding joy" (Psalm 43:4).   Nothing compares to being right with God.  Even though we may not always physically "see or feel" it, Peter describes our faith as "joy unspeakable and full of glory" leading to salvation. (1 Peter 1:8).  There is no greater joy than knowing the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ.  David, after sinning with Bathsheba and then repenting, calls on God to "restore to him the joy of Your salvation."  

Jesus told us in the master and steward parable of Matthew 25 that the reward for being faithful in little was to be given much and to "enter into the joy of your Lord."  Doing the will of God or being faithful is key to be like David who stated his secret for a victorious life, "I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."  Psalm 16 continues by giving this truth, in Your presence is fullness of joy.  

Nehemiah 6:8 further reveals that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  Jesus was able to endure the unimaginable suffering of being rejected, beaten, mocked, and crucified on the cross because of, as Hebrews 12:2 states, the joy that was set before Him.  That joy was seeing you receive forgiveness and be with Him forever.  We are called to walk in the joy of the Lord.  Abiding in Him and having the fruit of the Spirit, including joy and peace, we are able to likewise always be led in triumph through all adversities.

 It follows then, that Satan who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, wants to steal our joy.  If the enemy can get us to focus on our problems and become complainers instead of grateful servants, we become like the Israelites in the wilderness.  We become weak rather than strong overcomers.  In the Matthew 24 comments about the challenges of the end times, Jesus warns that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  Please give your problems to the Lord with thanksgiving, as Philippians 4:6 instructs, and let Him keep your mind and heart with peace.

Watch and be wise!  Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour.  You know the enemy's plans.  He wants to steal your joy so he can get you when you are weak in your own strength. However, you overcome by standing on God's faithful promises even in times of trial.  Romans 5 encourages us to even be joyful in our tribulations, which produces perseverance, character, and hope because of the love of God that the Spirit has poured into our hearts.  Likewise, Romans 8 points out that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.  The Lord delights in the welfare of His servants and has made provision for us to overcome in His overcoming victory.  Be strong in the Lord.

What a glorious life.  We overcome by faith (1 John 1:5) in this life on earth and will enjoy His glorious presence and fullness of joy forever and ever in the next age.  What more could God do to give us abundant life?  It is great now by faith in His Word, and will get better and better forever because, as Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, how great God is and how excellent His power is toward us. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.  

How to Partner with God: Our Part and His Part

One of the most amazing characteristics about God and His love is that He desires to be partners with us.  In 1 John 1:3, John declares what he has seen and heard, "that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son."  A simple definition of fellowship is two fellows in one ship.  Can you imagine that the Father and Jesus are in the same boat as you? You are never alone but are partners with God in whatever you do or wherever you go.  

Romans 8:17 reminds us that we are "joint heirs" with Christ and everything He deserves for willingly laying down His life is also ours.  Hebrews 2:11 likewise points out that "He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one."  Since we have this awesome partnership, what is our part or responsibility and what does He do.

Perhaps Jesus answers this question in a simple way when He taught us how to pray. " Our Father, hallowed be Thy Name..." It is our part to hallow His name.  Webster defines to hallow as "to regard as holy, to venerate, to declare as sacred.  When we do our part which is to hallow or declare who He is in the names He has revealed, God who always was and always will be "I Am," will naturally do His part.  Amos asks "How can two walk together unless they agree?"

Notice these examples of our part by agreeing with His revealed nature in His names, and His part by replying and being that to us.  

We say Jehovah Tsidkenu, You are my righteousness        He replies, I Am

We say Jehovah M'kiddish, You are my sanctifier               He replies, I Am

We say Jehovah Shalom, You are my peace and well-being     He replies, I Am

We declare, You are my strength        He replies I Am

We say Jehovah Rapha, You are my healer      He replies, I Am

In troubles, we declare You are my deliverer     He replies I Am

We say Jehovah Rohi, the Lord is my shepherd     He replies I Am

We see patterns all through Scripture that when man does his part, we allow the I Am God to be that for us. When Israel was challenged in the wilderness by Amalek, Joshua led the army as Moses lifted his hands to God in praise.  When Moses' arms were up, Joshua and Israel prevailed, when Moses lowered his arms, Amalek prevailed.  At the Red Sea when Moses lifted up the rod of God, the great I Am parted the waters for Israel to cross on dry land.  

We have the same principle of our part and His part in overcoming the enemy.  God tells us to put on the armor of God and stand in the authority of Jesus, then the I Am God will fight for us, keeping His promises (given in 1 Peter 5:10) that He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.  Jesus gives us "all power and authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt us."  Finally, this is confirmed in Revelation 12:11, we overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb (His part) and the word of our testimony (our part).   

Why does Isaiah 30:18 say God waits to be gracious to us and show us mercy?  Many are called but few are chosen.  He waits for us to respond to His invitation, to open the door.  God rewards those who diligently seek Him by being a doer of the Word.  Seek Him.  Pray, fast, give in secret. What you sow you will reap.  He waits for you to humble yourself so He can and will lift you up.                       

Choose this day to do your part to partner with God, because, as 2 Chronicles 16:9 declares, God is searching for the one whose heart is right so He can do His part which is to show His strength and might in our behalf.  The greatness of our partnership with the I Am God is shown in Ephesians which declares that His goal is to be all in all.  

    

Drop in a Bucket

How can you compare your life on earth to the time you will spend in eternity?  Have you heard the expression "a drop in a bucket?'  Better yet, compare life here as a drop of water to an everlasting life as the water in an ocean? 

If you have been to the beach or on a cruise ship it doesn't take much imagination to realize the vast amount of water that the ocean contains.  Comparing that to a drop of water from an eyedropper seems utterly ridiculous.  How does our life on earth compare to being alive forever and ever?  The truth is that the comparison is not fair; not that the drop representing our earthly life is not big enough, but rather that eternity is far greater than all the water in all the oceans of the world.

Yet many people choose to ignore or deliberately not consider what their life will be for the infinite amount of time after their years on earth.  Jesus talked about a man who prospered much and only thought about building bigger barns to store up his wealth but ignored the life of his soul.  Jesus called him foolish. 

In the business world there is a saying that failure to plan is to plan to fail.  Jesus told a parable about the wisdom of the unjust steward who, although he was not honest, at least was wise enough to plan for his future.  Jesus' comment was that the unjust steward was wiser that the sons of men.  In short, be wise enough to plan for your eternal existence. 

In my work there are people from many different cultures and religious persuasions.  Often these religious backgrounds are so ingrained that arguments to the contrary are futile.  Therefore, it is not profitable to argue religions.  The only thing that works and changes everything is Jesus showing Himself.  Therefore, my heart plea to every person is this, Ask Jesus to show Himself to you.  Jesus loves each person enough to die for them, and God delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18) and forgiving sin through what His Son accomplished for you on the cross.  He paid the ultimate price for your and my sin, so it is clear He desires each one of us to enjoy the benefit.

Today there are great numbers of people who have experienced dreams and visions of Jesus which has made all the difference in their lives forever.  This is consistent with His promise that those who seek Him will find Him and that the Holy Spirit would bear witness to Jesus, as God Himself who willingly shed His own blood to wash every heart clean.  Jesus promised in Luke 12:32 that it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  The kingdom that Jesus died to give you is defined as "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17) 

There is no substitute for knowing God.  Jesus, praying to His Father in John 17:3, said that "this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."  Furthermore, He promises that "he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him" (John 14:21)\.  Jesus will show Himself to you, who He really is, if you honestly ask.

Eternity is a long, long time, actually forever.  Nothing compares to knowing God and Jesus whom He sent so you will forever enjoy His goodness and love in the coming age.  Life here is a drop in a bucket, well actually less than a drop of water compared to the whole ocean of eternity.  Knowing Jesus and His awesome love for you is His gift that lasts forever.  So as the commercial expression goes, "Don't leave home without it."  

What do you have to lose?  If Jesus is not real, then nothing will happen.  However, if Jesus is real, by asking you open the door for Him to show you who He really is and how much you are loved forever and ever.  Let me repeat my deepest request that will make all the difference, not only in the drop of water that this earthly life is, but forever in the vast ocean of life that goes on forever.  Ask Jesus to show Himself to you.  

He is Faithful

 A young worship leader Matthew (named changed) and his wife Alice (also changed name) were excited with the expectancy of their first baby.  Perhaps Dad was a little overzealous as a "proud papa" with plans to videotape and stream the coming birth to family and friends.  However, the week that the baby was due, she miscarried and the baby was stillborn. 

The next morning Matthew was scheduled to lead worship.  Understandably, as students gathered for worship the rumor mill spread the news quickly that they had lost the baby.  There was a holy hush of emotion and compassion that settled over the student body as Matthew came out to lead.  Matthew took a moment to catch his breath, looked out at the students who sensed his hurt, and simply said, "As you may know, we lost our baby last night."  He paused for a second, then said, "God is faithful, let's worship Him."

Clearly the time we need to realize God's faithfulness is in the hard times.  1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that God is faithful even in challenging trials, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is 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 a way of escape that you may be able to bear it." His faithfulness will provide the grace to go through the trial and also show us how to overcome it.

One of God's eternal qualities is His faithfulness.  Faithfulness is defined by Webster as "loyal, steadfast, not changing, unswerving adherence to an oath or promise.  Numbers 23:19 declares how and why we can know He is faithful, "God is not a man that He should lie." This truth is further defined in Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He"  

The testimony of Moses, repeated by Joshua and Solomon, is that not one word has failed of all the good things God had promised.  (Joshua 23:14, 1 Kings 8:56)   Jesus, who is the exact image of the Father. also continues to show the faithful nature of God, "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3)  God is faithful to keep His promises.  

In His faithfulness, He has promised awesome benefits to us.  First, in 1 Corinthians 1:9, it states that God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Fellowship may be simply defined as two fellows being in the same ship.  We are joined to Jesus, He in us and we are in Him.  Eternal life is described by Jesus as "knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent."

He is a faithful God who promises that blessed are those who wait for His help, according to Isaiah 30:18. His faithfulness reaches to the skies, according to Psalm 36:5.  Because Jesus has paid the punishment for all our sins shedding His blood on the cross, 1 John 1:9 points out that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  Jesus is the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world, so He can transfer His righteousness and overcoming power to those who come to Him.  Even if we have times of being unfaithful, He remains faithful, because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).  

1 Corinthians 4:2 calls us servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be faithful.  He who is faithful in little will be given much, and he who is not faithful in little will also not be entrusted with much.  He clearly is looking for the faithful and wise servant that He can reward.  We are called to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer" in Romans 12:12.  Finally in Revelation a more severe test is applied that confirms His faithfulness, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  Enter into the joy of your Father, good and faithful servant.  Jesus is always faithful to keep His promises and reward those who are faithful and diligently seek Him.

Fills My Mouth with Good Things

Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits...who fills my mouth with good things so that my youth is restored like the eagles. 

Psalm 103:1-5  God also declares He has forgiven all our iniquities, healed all our diseases, redeemed our lives from hell, and crowned us with His steadfast love and mercy.  However, the next "benefit" is different in that it requires our participation.  He may "fill our mouths" but it is up to us to speak these good things. This is much like the expression, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

2 Corinthians 4:13 states that since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke" we also believe and therefore speak.  We believe Jesus has overcome sin, sickness, the devil, and death.  Then we bring this overcoming power into our lives by saying it with our mouths.  It is one thing to hear the Word of God, but another to make it ours by declaring this truth

Consider what words you usually declare.  If there was a recording of all your words from the past 24 hours, would it sound positive like hope and joy or would it be doubt and fear and defeat?  Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, according to Jesus in Luke 6:45, so our words reveal what is in our hearts.  Have you ever noticed what comes out of your mouth in emergency situations?  It is often something we didn’t even realize was in our heart.  Yet God has given us a new heart and now renews our mind with His truth and ways so we can become His mouthpiece on the earth. 

As we declare His truth, we allow the Holy Spirit to confirm our words with His power.  Our youth or life is renewed like the eagles.  Just as an eagle soars and is lifted up effortlessly by the wind, so our bodies are renewed by the breath of God.  

Beyond our personal benefit, God's plan is also for "His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven," which is how Jesus told us to pray.  Peter goes so far (1 Peter 4:11) as to say that we who speak are the oracle or mouthpiece of God.  Just as God spoke creation into existence with words, "Let there be light" and so forth, this same principle of power is declared in our spoken words, according to Proverbs 18:21, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue."  Amos 3:8 exhorts all those who hear God to speak what we hear, "The Lord has spoken, who can but prophesy?"  Prophecy is hearing from God and then speaking the message our loud to establish it on the earth. 

The bottom line is "It is finished."  Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has finished or completed the work of restoring all that mankind has lost through sin and now reigns as King.  We agree with God's Word and use His kingly authority to overcome anything and everything that does not submit to His rule.  Therefore, Romans 5:17 can boldly say "all those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and speak the good things from God's Word to renew your youth like the eagles!   

Do You Fit In?

"I was so embarrassed and ashamed when you prayed out loud at the restaurant, everybody was watching." said my guest.  

My response was simply, "I was so embarrassed and ashamed that you would receive what God has given and not even take a moment to give thanks." 

These contrary viewpoints demonstrate whether we are more concerned about "fitting in" to what people may think or more aware of doing all to please God.  When we accept who Jesus is and what He has done (John 1:12) we became children of God.  We become new creatures who are born of God and now share divine nature; the old fleshly person of the earth is crucified with Christ and has passed away. 

In a discussion with the Jews, Jesus pointed out that He was from above and not of this world.  Jesus said they were from below and of this world.  (John 8:23) Notice the complete difference.  As children of God, we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into His glorious light of Jesus Himself.  Ephesians 2:6 declares we have been raised with Jesus Christ and are seated with Him at the right hand of the Father.  Verse 19 further points out that we are now fellow citizens with the saints and the household of God.  In short, we are not of this world anymore, but just His ambassadors that happen to still live in it.  

Obviously, the Holy Spirit did this in us and for us when we were born again.  However, Paul reminds us in Romans 12:1-2 that it is up to us to choose to live in this Spirit-given heavenly position rather than continue in our fleshly body and mind like the world. "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 renewing your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  Choosing to receive and obey God's Word changes our thinking and our ability to please God.

In the Gospels, Jesus calls us the light of the world and the salt of the earth.  However, He points out that if salt loses its flavor, it is worthless and only good for being trampled on the ground.   Jesus, according to Hebrews 13:12, suffered "outside" the gate.  Then verse 13 follows, "Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach."  Because of His willingness to bear our sin and shame, we cheerfully respond by not being ashamed to represent Him in a darkened and sinful world.  

Finally, 1 Peter 2:9 calls us "a peculiar people."  Part of the privilege of being a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" is that we are willing to be different from the world.  The purpose given is that we may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Paul in Ephesians 1:12 re-enforces this truth stating that we should live "for the praise of His glory."

Today the tendency or temptation is to be acceptable to society and worldly standards rather than being a light in the darkness.  Even many Spirit-filled churches talk only about Jesus' love but tone down the message of Jesus about eternal judgment, repentance, immorality, hell, casting out demons, or praying in tongues in order to be "user friendly" to the world rather than being true to God and His word. Yet many of these doctrines, according to Hebrews 6 are foundational to Christian maturity and obedience to God. Jesus warned "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets."  The critical truth is that our choice has eternal consequences. 

So fit in or please God.  You choose.  

 

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 than 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.