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.

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).

What is Your Plan for End Times?

 If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail, according to current financial planning wisdom.  How much more true is this principle in light of coming events and eternity.

"What is the world coming to?" many are asking as age-old standards of decency, honesty, and common sense are violated.   

Jude tells us to contend for the faith because the world will be filled with ungodly people who turn the grace of God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.  They are grumblers, fault finders who live after their own lusts, ones who speak arrogantly and flatter people to gain an advantage. Likewise, 2 Peter 3 states "that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'" 

Proverbs tells us that the prudent see trouble coming and prepare for it.  Both Jude and Peter give advice for anyone who wants to know what to do.  Peter answers the question "what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?"  

However, Jude 1:20-21, giving specific details of how to not only endure but how to overcome this present evil generation, states, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."  

Let's consider each of these four directions.  1) Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.  Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ.  Faith builds faith, as we exercise the faith we have in little, God increases our faith to be greater.  Therefore, this instruction calls us to daily not only read and hear the Word, but also to step out and apply the Word to the challenges of our life.

2) Pray in the Holy Spirit.  When we yield our will to God, the Holy Spirit cries out "Abba Father" and with groanings beyond words expresses the will of God to the Father.  Use your prayer language and cry out to Him from the depth of your heart. God has given us gifts which are tools to be used not put away on the shelf. 

3) Keep yourself in the love of God.  What does God require but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.  Walk in the humble fear of the Lord, which simply means love good and hate evil and pride.

4)  Finally, look for the mercy of the Lord Jesus unto eternal life.  Our focus is not on the evil world that is passing, but as Romans reminds us, keep our focus on the fact that our Redeemer is coming with mercy for all those who call on His name.  In short, rejoice that God is not mocked, but continues to work all things for good, HIs mercy is greater than sin, and His authority reigns supreme so every evil will be justly dealt with and every one who turns to Him will live forever. 

Thank God we are not helpless, but in union with Him who has overcome, we overcome by simply walking in the ways He has provided.  Praise God forever, as God's children we will never be shaken.

  

Thankfully Overcome

 God is the master at reminding us of foundational values through events and seasons.  Just as October challenged us to stand in the authority Jesus has given over the powers of darkness, November is designed to bring us back to acknowledging God's eternal goodness, not just in what we now have, but also in His awesome future for us to dwell in His presence and glory forever.  What God has planned certainly is beyond description and our finite understanding, but nevertheless, true and worthy of rejoicing in His revealed plan and letting it motivate our godly choices.    

Scripture reveals that Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him.  Surely HIs joy was seeing you and I receive what He was doing to pay for our sins and become children of God to be with Him forever.  Likewise, in Revelation 2 and 3, God sent messages to the various churches with awesome encouragements of "joy" set before those who overcome. 

God is a rewarder of those who seek Him and obey Him.  If God does not overlook having a reward for giving a glass of water to a little one, how much more will not miss rewarding choices to obey our Spirit-led promptings and to put down the screaming lusts of the flesh (Romans 8:13).  He promises life and peace to those who obey the Spirit.  

Therefore, in this season of thankfulness, hear the word from Jesus in John 16:33, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  And the accompanying truth from 1 John 5:4-5, which states that all those who are born again overcome the world through our faith. 

We rejoice together in thankfulness for all the goodness we taste now (Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good); and also for the amazing future goodness God has for those who love Him (Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9)

The Lord has enabled His children to overcome through His death and resurrection; furthermore, He has given us sufficient reason and anointing to be thankful in every situation.  As He overcame, we now thankfully overcome by His power working in us.  

Revealing Jehovah Nissi

Jesus' victory over the enemy ensures the promise 

that "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you 

today."

It is always enlightening to see where and how God 

reveals His names.  In Exodus 17, we 

find the famous battle between Israel and Amalek 

where Israel triumphs as long as Moses lifts up the 

rod of God's authority.  As you recall, Aaron and Hur 

were called upon to help hold Moses' hands up and 

God overcame and destroyed the enemy.  The 

conclusion finds Moses realizing this truth about 

God, "And Moses built an altar and called its name, 

Jehovah Nissi (The-Lord-is-My-Banner); for he said,

"Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war 

with Amalek from generation to generation."  

Amalek was a staunch enemy of Israel and the name 

itself means "one who takes away."  Consider that 

Jesus told us that Satan comes to "steal, kill, and 

destroy," or in short, take away the abundant life He 

has given.  Therefore, the promise that the Lord will 

have war with Amalek from generation to generation 

suggests He is able and willing to give the same 

overcoming victory to all people throughout the 

generations.  We simply need to lift up our rod of 

authority, the Word of God, the blood of Jesus, and 

the name of Jesus, and He will overcome and 

destroy the enemy.  

Let's also consider the meaning of "The Lord is My 

Banner."  In the rafters of Ball Arena there hangs a 

triumphal banner, "Denner Nuggets 2023 NBA 

Champions."  The banner is the trophy or 

acknowledgment of their successful overcoming of 

all challengers to become the National Basketball 

Association's champions.  In like manner, the cross 

declares "It is finished," and proclaims Jesus' victory 

over all the powers of darkness for all generations 

to come.  Jehovah Nissi, His banner, declares He 

reigns and triumphs over all.  Therefore, this 

overcoming triumph now is released to all who 

believe in His victory as 2 Corinthians 2:14 states, 

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in 

triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the 

fragrance of His knowledge in every place."  

May God continue to show Himself mighty and ever 

present as a consuming fire over all our enemies 

as we lift the banner of Jesus' cross and triumph, 

Jehovah Nissi.   

---

 

Hear and Obey His Voice

"Let him who has ears to hear, hear."

In Psalm 81, we are reminded that God's heart desire for us is to hear His voice so He can bless us.  "Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!"  As Psalm 81 continues, then I "would quickly subdue your enemies and turn My hand against your adversaries." God's desire is to fight for us, and His prerequisite is that we choose to hear His voice, and then be willing to obey.   

In God, our best defense against the enemy is a good offense.  Let God arise and His enemies be scattered (Ps 68:1) and in James 4:7, "Submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  Rather than in our arrogance thinking we can outsmart and outduel this evil spirit being, we simply join ourselves to Jesus who has already defeated Satan and all the powers of darkness.  Then the battle is the Lord's and we experience His victory.   

As Psalm 81 concludes, God, being God who is always more than enough, then sweetens the deal, "I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." What an awesome God who delights in the prosperity of His servants! 

When you take time and earnestly desire to hear from Him, my suggestion is to write down what you believe He is saying.  Then you won't be tempted to doubt in the darkness what you have heard in the light.  You will be more inclined to respond.  God told Habakkuk to write the vision so people who read it would run with it.

Let God bless you.  Hear and Obey!

Advent - Has Come and Is Coming

Come.  Advent, of course, means coming.  We celebrate Jesus coming to earth at Bethlehem, and we celebrate His coming to each one of us the moment we acknowledge Jesus as savior and Lord, but the fulfillment and exciting finale is that we know and prepare for His coming back to make all things right.  

Step by step we see the enemy set up all kinds of lies and barricades to entrench evil in the minds and hearts of people, but glory to God, there is no power on earth or hell that can stop Jesus.  When He declared on the cross, "It is finished," it was.  Then we read in Revelation 21 the unfolding of this completed mission with Jesus coming as King of kings overcoming every attack of the enemy with the words, "It is done."  

There is strength and joy in knowing that no matter what negative things are happening to us or what evil is being promulgated by government or media, Jesus is truly king and will overcome the lie and turn every attack of the enemy which he meant for evil into good.  God is not mocked.  I think that is why God promises a special blessing on those who read or hear the words of Revelation.  He wants us to live with the absolute confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and that His love overcomes all.  He will destroy the evil empire and every stronghold that hinders love.  We already have His kingdom and share His victory in our spirits through faith (choosing to believe) in what the Word declares. The kingdom of God in us (Romans 14:17) is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Jesse DuPlantis shares in his testimony of being taken up to heaven where Jesus told him to go back to earth and tell the people one thing: "I am coming back soon, sooner than you think."  Things will not continue the way they have always been, they are moving toward the climax.  It is clearly a day to forgive and make peace, to look for opportunities to bless and share about Jesus, and to walk in the love and power of the Holy Spirit.  We are the most blessed (Psalm 21:4) people on earth who know Him and His forgiving mercy and love, and now can live by His life and Holy Spirit power in us.  Thank you, Jesus.  The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!"

 

Bad News: Battle; Good News: You Overcome!

You are an overcomer.  You live by faith.  Faith and patience inherit the promises.  Receive God's plan for you as stated in Romans 15:13,  "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."   

Hope is a sure promise of sharing Jesus' victory.  It shouldn't surprise us that life has battles.  1 Peter 4:12 reminds us not to consider it strange at the fiery trials we face.  Paul shared in Corinthians that an effective door had opened for him to share the Gospel, but there were many adversaries.  All through Biblical history, whether re-building the temple, the walls of Jerusalem, David's challenge with Saul, etc., there have always been obstacles that seek to prevent man from doing God's will.  That is why Galatians 6:9 encourages us to persevere, "do not get weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

1 John 5 gives a message that is even stronger, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"  As you stand in faith that Jesus is the Son of God, who overcame, and now His resurrection power dwells in you, you are transformed into an overcomer.

When you are in the middle of problems, take time and let the Word dwell in your richly until you can rest in the spirit and stand in all God has promised and what He has called you to believe.  As Galatians 4 reminds us, we are heirs of God, but if we stay as little children, we don't know all we possess.  It clearly is a season where the Holy Spirit is encouraging us to possess our possessions and not be intimidated by the enemy's threats and setbacks.  Having done all, stand.

My prayer is that you continue to strive to enter that rest of faith and are able to set your mind on the Spirit who knows and reveals all that God has given you.  You will have victory and overcome in the name and triumph of Jesus. 

Need Ammunition, Not a Ride!

When the USA offered to evacuate President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, his reply was "We need ammunition, not a ride!"  God doesn't want us to hide or be removed from trouble but rather has given us the ammunition, the divine power, to overcome the enemy and all his tactics.  God sees you the same way He spoke to Gideon when he was cowardly hiding from the Philistines, "You mighty man of valor!" 

There is a strong word in Psalm 149., "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edge sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written.  This is an honor for all His godly ones.  Praise the Lord!"  The ball is now in our court.  Clearly there is a spiritual battle of gigantic proportions going on with abortion, perversion, lust, greed, persecution, violence, drugs, murder, lies, etc.  The spiritual forces behind these actions are stronger than human nature and natural defenses. We must overcome using God's power and ammunition.  

Just as Jesus pointed out that He has not left us orphans but has equipped us with the Holy Spirit, we have His Word and weapons of divine power to overcome every attack of the enemy.  Praising God and declaring the Word bind and overcome the enemy that Jesus has already judged.  John 16:11 states that the ruler of this world (the devil) is judged. It is our honor or gifted position as His body and representatives of earth to execute that judgment. 

We are called to rule in this life, not hide from it.  Through Jesus living inside us, we are the light of the world that overcomes darkness.  Yes, sin, sickness, and death reign in this world, but notice the victory that Romans 5:17 declares, "For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."  Much more we reign.  Where sin abounds, grace abounds more.

Rather than just get disgusted and frustrated by what we see on the news and in the world, we are the watchmen God has set up to do something about it.  It is a day to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, pray in the spirit, put on the armor, of God and take authority of the power of darkness. Jesus in Luke 1019 told His disciples, "I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."  God inhabits or is enthroned in His praises.  Praising God and giving thanks releases God's power.  Declaring the Word establishes life--life and death are in the power of the tongue.  Fight the good fight of faith. 

Stand in faith and prayer against the onslaught of the enemy and all that deceived, sinful man brags about against God.  And greater goal, in the process of exercising His power and authority in healing and deliverance, our hearts will grow in knowing Him and the power of His resurrection.  Yes, the ultimate goal is knowing and pleasing God.  Praise God forever! 

Keep Peace in the Storm

In Psalm 112:7 the Lord explains one of the benefits of believing in Him, "He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast trusting the Lord."  

God's call today is to receive His peace and not let the world overcome us by taking His peace from our hearts.  Before His trial and death, Jesus spoke to the disciples, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27  God hasn't changed and His Word is eternal; therefore, hear Him speak His peace to you.

Jesus was able to still the raging storm at sea because there was no storm in Him.  "Peace, be still."  Jesus said "the evil one has nothing in Me."  Now we also have been given His righteousness and authority to overcome.  God has given us the weapons of our warfare, which have divine power.  Receive and speak the Word, acknowledge the blood of Jesus, and put on the armor of God.  We overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony, and we love not our lives unto death.  Even Psalm 23 declares, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because You are with me."

 However, the challenge in the spiritual battle (2 Corinthians 10:4) is to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Philippians 4:6-8 even tells us how by committing trouble to the Lord and letting His peace guard our hearts and minds.  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Then He tells us to change the channel by focusing on His qualities and faithfulness. "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

Jesus even went a step further. In the beatitudes found in Luke, He tells us to "rejoice in that day and leap for joy!"  In John, He reminds us of His victory, "In the world you will have tribulation.  Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."   

The strongest way to maintain the peace and joy He gives, is to give thanks in all circumstances.  Because we trust Him we know He works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Therefore, what the world and devil mean for evil, God uses to grow us and to reveal His transforming power for good. 

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23) Take thoughts captive. Give situations to God with thanksgiving, and walk in His peace.  Choose to trust God in all situations. Jesus says, "Peace, be still" to the storms of your life.   

Alert and on Guard, We Overcome!

 The words of Paul to the Ephesians in Acts 20 resonate with the spiritual battle we currently are involved in, whether we are aware of it or not.  Even though he had gone through incredible attacks, even being stoned, shipwrecked, and knew that imprisonment and suffering was ahead, Paul states "None of these things move me."  Oh, that we all had our hearts steadfast like his.  

Our overcoming abundant life depends upon living by the Word of God rather than the happenings of the world around us.  It may be a challenge to fight the good fight of faith and to know God is working all things for our good when things around us are falling apart., However, the truth is that His way is perfect, even in the midst of the storm.  The good news is He is always a very present help in times of trouble and He simply wants us to call on Him.  Jesus has already won the victory, so stand in faith to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.    

  

Paul's instructions to the Ephesian leaders was to "take care and be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock" and to "be alert and on your guard."  October tends to be a season when the spiritual forces of evil get stirred up with the Halloween emphasis.  The Spirit of God reminds us to be vigilant in our taking authority and declaring victory over the demonic forces.by "the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and with total commitment where we love not our lives even unto death." (Rev 12:11).  

Paul's warning goes even further, stating that ferocious wolves will get in and even within our ranks people will rise up and say perverse things leading others astray.  Rather than let this warning discourage us believers, Paul calls on us to stand strong in the Word of God which is able to build us up to receive the full inheritance.. However, the battle is real, and both Paul and Jesus tell us to be alert.  Jesus shows much more concern about us being deceived in the last days than He does about us being persecuted.  All those who refuse to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) will be subject to deception. 

It is not a time to be passive or defeated in spirit, but rather to rise up in the authority and name of Jesus, declaring the victorious Word of God, and trusting the Holy Spirit to equip us with all we need to overcome.  .  According to 1 John 5:4 all those born again are united "in Christ" and destined to overcome the world and the work of the enemy. By faith we unite in HIs victorious death and resurrection, and now live by faith in the power of God.  Jesus warned His followers, in John 14 shortly before His arrest, to "not let your hearts be troubled.",  What God commands He also enables.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep your heart in Him and His promises instead of rehearsing what the enemy is doing.  Daily put on the armor of God and use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,  The anointing of God will break the yoke and give us discernment to stand against the enemy's traps.  .   

Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph!

 , 

Fall Like Lightning

 The 70 disciples came back to Jesus with joy saying, "Even the demons are subject to us through Your name."  Jesus replied, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven."  (Luke 10:17-18)  Satan has fallen and is defeated.

Jesus, who declared that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him in Matthew 28, also declared that we have been given the right to represent Him through use of His name. When He sent the disciples out He called them together and "gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."  With His authority what could possibly stop us from overcoming?

In the parable of the sower it is revealed that even though the Word is an incorruptible seed, it can be choked by the weeds (other thoughts and cares) that we allow to live in our hearts.  We see the same principle working in the situation (Mark 9) where the man brought the demon-possessed boy to Jesus.  When he asked Jesus, "If you can do anything?, Jesus replied all things are possible to him who believes.  Notice in the man's response that he did believe, but he also had unbelief.  These weeds, contrary thoughts and soulish cares that produced unbelief, choked his faith and rendered him powerless.   

Jesus is not impressed or moved by many words. He even taught us not to pray like the heathen who repeat many phrases or chants. He is moved by those who declare His Word with authority.  "Let your eye be single" suggests that our focus is on the truth and power of the Word, refusing to look at the waves and the wind that would cause doubt.  He who dies to himself, finds life.  Rejecting what our soulish nature, called our flesh, dictates through the natural senses and choosing to hear the Word which is spirit and truth, produces life. 

The Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus.  He leads us to know the truth of what Jesus has accomplished.  He further pours the love of God into our hearts so we can by faith understand the absolutely awesome gift of divine nature God has allowed us to share in Christ.  So much so that 1 John 4:17 states, "As He is, so are we in the world." 

Jesus established His church to bind and loose things on earth with the same authority and power of heaven, assuring us that the gates of hell would not prevail. He meant for believers who receive His free gift of righteousness to rule in this life.  He also gave us instruction of how to pray, including the imperative commands, "Thy kingdon, Come!" and "Thy will, Be Done!"  We as the Body of Christ are to do the works that He did and greater ones.  

How do we rule?  Jesus is revealed in Revelation as having a two-edged sword coming out of His mouth.  Likewise, Psalm 149 speaks of believers having the high praises of God in our mouths and the two-edge sword in our hands.   God has entrusted to His faithful ones the authority to use the Word, so He can confirm it with power and signs following.  Therefore, the Holy Spirit is teaching believers today to declare His Word over all situations, and to stand in His authority.  The climax of the armor in Epesians 6 is to "stand therefore, and having done all to stand, stand."  1 Peter 5 calls us to resist steadfast in the faith until God perfects, establishes, strengthens and settles us in the victory.  

 Satan has fallen from heaven like lightning.  Jesus made a public example of him (Colossians 2:15) by defeating him through His death on the cross, and triumphed over him through His resurrection.  The battle is finished, and God is looking for those who would believe it in their hearts and declare it with their lips.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.  Speak the Word in faith.  Fight the good fight of faith by refusing to let the weeds of unbelief detract you from standing strong in Jesus' name and authority.  Faith pleases God and causes us to overcome the world (1 John 5:4).  

 

Do What is In Your Power

Anyone overwhelmed by the frontal assaults of the enemy on God's standards for life?  

The very foundations of the purpose of life, such as existence of God, His creating everything, the primary call to know and serve God, the authority of God's Word as truth, the role of marriage, sex, and gender that He established, and His command to love one another, etc. are being openly mocked and deliberately overridden by the new "man-made rules."  How clearly Psalm 11 describes this drastic situation, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"  We are seeing a bad tree bearing bad fruit, much like what happened in Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes."  Man's rebellion leaves the world in a desperate condition.

However, God is not mocked.  This degradation of mankind and the rebellion against God's standards did not take the Lord by surprise.  Notice how Jesus addresses this challenge in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Not only has Jesus overcome the world, but He has passed the victory torch to us.  This is revealed in 1 John 5:4, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that overcomes the world--our faith."  When we were born again and filled with the Spirit, we literally are "Christian" or "little Christs" that walk in the same overcoming life and power of God as Jesus did.  This awesome gift is completely because of what Jesus has done, and has nothing to do with our being good or holy enough to do this. Just as Paul explained to the Romans that those who "receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."  The torch of overcoming power has been given to us.  What are we going to do with it? 

Consider two defintie instructions that give direction.  First, fight the good fight of faith.  If you remember Jesus, after sharing the parable about the persistent widow seeking justice in Luke 18, asks the question, "when the Son of Man comes,will He find faith on the earth?"  So clearly there is a definite need to"build yourselves up on your most holy faith" (Jude 1:20).  We live by faith, not by sight; by what Jesus has done instead of how strong we feel.  Faith, of course, comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God. It is not a little thing to take time each day and give attention to the Word of God.  Come to Him with a hunger and thirst for a "rhema" word like you have to have it or you will die.  There is more truth in that comment than our flesh wants to admit.  We must have faith to please God. 

Secondly, there is a principle with God stated in Proverbs 3:27, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so."  In other words, do what is in your power.  We can't do everything may be true, but it is not an acceptable excuse.  We can do something.  

We have been given authority in the name of Jesus to destroy enemy strongholds.  We have the blood of Jesus and the word of testimony that overcomes Satan.  We can declare the Word of God and let God confirm His truth.  We can submit to God and resist the enemy causing him to flee.  We are not helpless, but rather fully equipped to stand and see God "crush Satan under our (your) feet!"   

Often the "something" we can do is to be faithful in the "little" things so God can do the much.  Pray, read the Word and release His power by declaring His truth.  Put on the armor and stand, taking authority in the name of Jesus over the powers of darkness that you see working.  Unite with other Christians.  There is great power in being one in heart and mind "when two or three agree."  Do not let yourself be weary in well doing, but be refreshed in His presence,  Do what is in your power and see the salvation, or overcoming victory, that the Lord desires and deserves.  He is worthy.                                                                                                           

 

Flight Overcomes Gravity, Faith Overcomes the World

 The massive passenger plane gently lifts off the runway and majestically rises through the clouds to 30,000 feet.  However, make no mistake, gravity is still operating.  It is just that the thrust of the powerful engines and the lift of the airflow over the wings has overcome the force of gravity that would keep the plane on the ground.  Even at 30,000 feet, if for some reason those engines stop, gravity will instantly engage to bring that plane down.

Faith works the same way.  Paul, in Romans chapters 7 and 8, points out that our flesh does not submit to God's laws and is at emnity with God.  Fallen-nature man cannot please God.  No wonder Paul cries out almost in desperation, "Who is going to deliver me from this body of death?"  Yet he answers his own question "I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!"  Jesus has overcome sin, the flesh, and the devil through His victory on the cross, and by the same power of the Spirit that raised Jesus, we are able to put to death the deeds of the body and live.

Keep the engines running!  Keep the Word in our mind and heart. 

Man is spirit, soul, and body according to 1 Thessalonians 5:23.  When we are born again we become a new creation, our spirit that was dead because of man's sin, is born again to partake of God's nature.  Our body remains fallen until we die and are given a new glorious body,  However, the crucial part of man is the soul, usually defined as our mind, emotions, and will.  The soul must be transformed by the truth of God's Word which enlightens the mind, renews right feelings, and causes us to delight in choosing to do God's will.  When we choose to hear God's Word and let the truth come in that we are sinners who need Jesus Christ as savior, we are born again. However, just like the seed sown on rocky ground, if it is not allowed to get rooted, the heat and pressure will overcome the plant.  Or in the third situation of the parable of the sower, the weeds such as the cares of this world and desire for riches choke the good plant.  Therefore, it is a necessary to continually nourish the good soil of our hearts by simply accepting the truth of the Word, asking the Holy Spirit to help us understand it, and by faith holding it fast so it can bear fruit.   

Jesus came to give us life, overcoming abundant life.  Romans 5:17 even declares that those who receive the free gift of righteousness will reign in this life.  The point is Jesus has defeated the devil and restored to man all that was lost by the sin and fall of man.  Salvation means being saved from, or delivered from all man lost.  The key is that as long as we let the Word of God abide in us, and abide in Jesus Christ, we will bear fruit and overcome. The seed of God's Word grows naturally in our good ground.  God told Joshua that if he would not let this Word depart from his mouth and keep it in his heart to do it, that he would make his way prosperous and have good success. God is not a respecter of persons, the same prinicple is true for all of us.

Colossians 3 reminds us to set our minds on things above.  On the other side of the coin, Romans 8 warns that to set our mind on the flesh is death.  When we allow the cares of this world or negative thoughts, feelings, or desires to dominate our thoughts rather than the truth of God's Word, it is like turning the engines off on the airplane.  So the crucial decision, or discipline in our lives, is whether we live by the Word of God or by the thoughts and wisdom of fallen man.  

Faith, which comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, overcomes the world.  Jesus said we live in the world but are not of the world or controlled by the world.  Every time you take a flight or see a plane flying overhead, remember that is a physical example of overcoming gavity just as your letting the Word dwell in you richly builds you up to overcome the world.  In the same way Jesus answered the devil with the Word of God, we must declare God's truth over doubt, fear, condemnation, and whatever negative the enemy throws at us.  Praise God for the gift of the Word and the Spirit to continualy work this Word in our hearts and minds.  We are so blessed to be free to fly.

      

 

Revelation of Jesus Christ

Do not fear, only believe.  Even though Jesus says this to His people, many are fearful about the coming events of the end-times.  They don't even want to think about it, yet alone read the book of Revelation.

Would you allow the Holy Spirit to change your mind?  First, God promises a special blessing to those who read or even hear the words of this prophecy.  Second, and most important, in verse one, this book is "The revelation of Jesus Christ" rather than just a description of the "terrible" things to come that it is feared to be.  The book of Revelation reveals Jesus' heart, power, and leadership in preparing the nations for God's glory.  The main theme is Jesus' return to earth as king to rule all the nations (Rev. 1:7) and to remove all that resists His kingdom of absolute love.  God is love. 

God deliberately chose to give us this revelation of Jesus to prepare us for the end-time drama that will transition the earth to the age-to-come, and to equip us to endure persecution and temptation so as to overcome in victory (Rev 12:11, Rev 15:2).  Rather than instill fear, God promises these words will give grace and peace to His believing church (Rev 1:4). 

"Behold, He is coming in the clouds, and every eye shall see Him" (Rev. 1:7) so every person will see His royal procession back to earth.  If we humbly open our hearts to read Revelation correctly, it causes us to love Jesus and trust His leadership and dramatic plan to transition the earth to where "the kingdoms of the earth have become the kingdoms of our Lord."  His wise and loving plans combine God's sovereignty, human free will, and overcoming the arrogant Satanic rage, which produce an awesome end-time harvest of souls and a victorious Church, without violating justice or man's free will.  Both love and wickedness will come to full expression and receive their reward.  God is not mocked, what a person sows he will reap. 

Jesus will judge wickedness and oppression to remove all that hinders love (Rev. 19:2). The Antichrist and the kings of the earth will declare war against Jesus (Rev. 17:14; 19:19; cf. Ps. 2:2). Jesus will war against them (Rev. 19:11).  Jesus’ judgments in the Great Tribulation do not happen to God’s people as helpless victims of Satan, but are released through them as they partner with His sovereign leadership. As the book of Acts describes the power of the Spirit released through the early church, so the book of Revelation describes the power of the Spirit to be released through the end-time church.  The type of miracles and judgments seen in the books of Exodus and Acts will be multiplied and released worldwide through prayer in the Tribulation. The greatest demonstrations of power in history will be released by the praying Church operating in unity under Jesus’ leadership. 

Let's look at an overview of Revelation that will help us grasp the understanding of the message through seeing the way the events unfold.  There are 4 parts in the structure of the book of Revelation with the fourth part being the largest consisting of 5 chronological sections in which the events occur in sequential order.  

Part 1: John’s calling to prophesy about the end times (Rev. 1). John gave truths about Jesus’ majesty that formed the way he prophesied about the end times. These revelations of Jesus' character are necessary to give knowledge of His nature and also to equip us for this time. 

Part 2: Jesus gave 7 letters to the churches (Rev. 2-3). The instructions Jesus gave to these churches about overcoming sin also give insight into what the end-time church must overcome. 

Part 3: Jesus takes the scroll (Rev. 4-5). Contains the earth’s title deed and His plan to cleanse it. Jesus takes a 7-sealed scroll from the Father. The scroll represents the title deed of the earth and the battle plan to judge, cleanse, and prepare the nations for Jesus’ rule over all the earth, while bringing the Church to a mature Bride who partners with Him in the plan (Rev 6-22). 

Part 4: Jesus’ battle plan (Rev. 6-22). Includes Great Tribulation judgments against the Antichrist. Jesus reveals His main storyline of love to cleanse the earth of evil. His battle plan is seen in 5 chronological sections describing the main storyline of the 21 judgment events (7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls) that are released on the Antichrist’s empire in sequential order. 

After each chronological section, an angel explains to John why the events just described are necessary. The angelic explanations function as a parenthesis that puts the storyline on “pause.” They answer questions arising from the chronological sections: Why is God’s wrath so severe? What will happen to the saints? Angels explain to John what happens to God’s people including what Jesus will do to help them, and what the Antichrist will do to persecute them.   

Chronological Section #1 (Rev. 6). The seal judgments against the kingdom of darkness. Angelic Explanation #1 (Rev. 7). We receive protection from judgments and falling away. 

Chronological Section #2 (Rev. 8-9). The trumpet judgments against the Antichrist’s empire. Angelic Explanation #2 (Rev. 10-11). We receive direction by increased prophetic ministry. 

Chronological Section #3 (Rev. 11:15-19). Jesus’ second coming royal procession and the rapture leading to Jesus replacing all the kings and top governmental leaders on earth. Angelic Explanation #3 (Rev. 12-14)—the Antichrist’s violent confrontation with the saints deserves Jesus’ judgment and the replacement of all his evil governments. 1. At the 7th and last trumpet (1 Thes. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:52; Rev. 10:7), Jesus will rapture the Church and travel across the sky in a royal procession so that every eye will see Him (Rev. 1:7). 7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. (Rev. 1:7) 2. After this, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and stand on the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4). 

Chronological Section #4 (Rev. 15-16). Bowl judgments destroy evil infrastructures in society. Angelic Explanation #4 (Rev. 17-18). The seduction of Babylon’s evil religion will permeate and infiltrate all the structures of society, requiring that Babylon be totally destroyed. 

Chronological Section #5 (Rev. 19-20). Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Rev. 19:11-21:8). Angelic Explanation #5 (Rev. 21-22). The restoration of all things, Acts 3:21, (Rev. 21:9-22:5). 11 I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns…15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them…16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS…19 I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him… 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet…these two were cast alive into the lake of fire…21 The rest were killed with the sword… 20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of…Satan, and bound him for a thousand years …3 so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished…4 I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them…they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Rev. 19:11-20:4)  

We will proceed step by step in coming posts to help us understand the powerful truths of this revelation of Jesus that God chose to provide for our benefit. 

The Holy Spirit bears witness to Jesus in the book of Revelation, and will use this revelation to lead us into all truth which prepares us for the events coming.  Fear not, avoid not, excuse not, and read this crucial book for the time is at hand.  Be blessed as you read and hear the words of this Revelation!

Taste and See that the Lord is Good!

Taste and See that the Lord is Good.  Doesn't that sound great?  However, the subtitle may also be, "He is a very present help in times of trouble."

Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). The truth is that we all go through battles.  David in Psalm 86 cries out to God to preserve his life, yet not without hope, declaring that "You are my God."  He reminds himself with this bedrock line, "For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you."

Yet there are times when we stand in the battle, wondering if and how He is going to come through. In our minds we know He is infinite and faithful, so the challenge is to trust that victory to our situation. He is a very present help in times of trouble.  I compare this to how the disciples must have felt between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, sort of a mental and emotional roller coaster challenge to believe when things look lost.  As we know, in desperate situations, David encouraged himself in the Lord.  

Draw near to God with thanksgiving and fresh consecration.  Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  This is a time to hold on to some of the powerful Scriptural promises. For example, Psalm 34:19 states that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.  Revelation 12:11 "They overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives even to death."  Or how about 1 Peter 5:10-11, "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.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."  

Clearly, as the song "Waymaker" reminds us, "even when I don't feel it, You are working."  My point is that during the battle is not the time to doubt or quit standing on God's promises, but rather to choose to fight the good fight by speaking the Word, and trusting God to confirm it.  Nothing (or no one, especially the devil) has a right to steal your joy.  Run for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24)  What is the prize?  Giving glory to God (He is worthy).  Abraham chose to glorify God until he tasted the goodness of the Lord.  Every attack is an opportunity to be thankful that Jesus has overcome, and by our faith we overcome the world (1 John 5:4).  All things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  

With Jesus in the battle, we taste and see that the Lord is good.  The Holy Spirit is here to always lead us in triumph.  So lets just receive the Romans 15:13 promise, "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."  In the name of Jesus, and by the power of the resurrection, may you experience His overcoming peace, joy, and victory.  Jesus reveals that "as the Father loves Me, so do I love you."  His love overcomes all.  He is with you and for you.  

 

Overcomer or Under the Circumstances

 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. (1 John 5:4)  This reality flows from Jesus Christ, who through His death and resurrection, has overcome the world, sin, sickness, and all the works of the devil.  Romans 8:37 confirms this truth, "Yet in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."  God's eternal plan includes for us "to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren" (Romans 8:29) and that we would be a light in this world as we "walk just as He walked" (1 John 2:6)  Just as Jesus overcame, through that victorious resurrection, power and authority has been released for us to also be conquerors that overcome the world.

Man does not realize how far he has fallen.  There is a reason Paul cried out, who is going to save me from this wretched man that I am? Obviously, the next verse (Romans 7:25) recognizes the answer is Jesus.  However, there is a problem.  Man thinks he is okay and can make it on his own strength, his own wisdom, his own ways.  Since all creation also fell according to Romans 8:21, into the bondage of corruption, and combined with the self-centered philosophy of the world, the result is man will have problems and trials.  Man's ways and flesh lead to death.  God has to bring man (us) to the place where we turn from man's ways to receiving help from Him.  We need Jesus to save us, change us, and show us how to live. 

There is an example in nature of a mother pigeon with her young ones which may give insight.  Pigeons make their nest on a perch usually high above the ground.  When mother pigeon thinks that her young ones can and should learn to fly, she lures them to the edge and pushes them off!  As they begin to fall the young bird quickly flaps his wings and starts to fly,  The mother dives behind them catching them (in case they fail) before they reach the ground.  What lesson is in the way this developmental step of growth happens?  We only "fly" when we have to!

Fight the good fight of faith.  The Word makes it clear that we will have battles and that we use faith to overcome them.  Psalm 34:19 points out "many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."  On the other hand, do you remember God's warning to Laodicea when they were complacent in their faith and didn't need anything, instead of seeing they were "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked."  The good news is, which may not seem like good news to our flesh, that trials and problems are God-designed to wake us up and cause us to seek His help.  Even Jesus went through trials as "the Spirit led him into the wilderness."  Why does James 1:2 say "to count it all joy when you fall into various trials"?  The answer given in the following two verses is that you "may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."  

God knows man's frame and remembers we are dust (Psalm 103:14).  In other words, he knows exactly what we are and what works to get us to where we need to go.  We are "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29) and He has always planned "that we should be holy and blameless before Him." (Ephesians 1:4)  It is clear that only God can cause and maintain that sharing of divine nature.  Therefore, God needs to bring us to the point where we see our need and choose to depend upon Him.  As we grow through His revelation and have faith in His promises, God allows us to partake of His nature until He becomes "all in all."  God is the master Father, who encourages, nurtures, and yes, even disciplines us, to become what He intended us to be.  God is at work in us "to will and to work" for His pleasure.  Praise God forever. 

Therefore, be of good courage. In every situation, God will make all things work for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Through the victorious life of the Lord Jesus, you are always led in triumph and by faith, overcome.  Give thanks and be patient, the Spirit will manifest that overcoming power of Jesus' resurrection in and through you.

All Rise!

 He is risen!  He is risen indeed!  The early church would celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by declaring this powerful truth and the response in agreement.  One Easter morning I was sharing the Word and encouraged my audience to respond in like manner, shouting, "He is Risen!" and they would respond "He is Risen indeed!"  Unknown to me, there was present a lady who had pneumonia but was allowed to leave the hospital to attend Easter services.  As she was leaving the church, she stopped to say there was a strange warmth and presence in her chest as we declared He is Risen, and that all of a sudden she could breathe normally.  Later doctors confirmed that she was healed.

There is power in the resurrection.  Jesus Christ "was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. (Romans 1:4).  The resurrection also establishes Jesus's complete victory over death, sin and sickness.  After the resurrection Jesus announced to His disciples "all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."  No wonder then, that the Word (Acts 4:33) records that the apostles "with great power gave witness to the resurrection from the dead."  

This overcoming power and authority is available to all who believe Jesus Christ is God's Son who died and rose for them.  Romans 6:5 assures us, "If we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall in the likeness of His resurrection."  Paul, even after all his preaching and miracles, had one overwhelming request, "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection."  The person of the Holy Spirit makes this reality a part of our daily experience, as the Word says in Romans 8:11, "the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."    

God's eternal plan for man is past, present, and future.  The resurrection of Jesus 2000 years ago settles the fact of Jesus' love and victory for all men.  Through the Holy Spirit this released power equips us today to walk in overcoming faith and victory.  However, 1 Peter 1:3 blesses God who "according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."  This living hope is a sure future promise to rise with Him and be with Him forever.

Therefore, this foundation doctrine of the resurrection provides eternal assurance that Jesus' "It is finished" statement from the cross is confirmed.  Man sinned and lost his dominion authority over the earth to Satan.  Jesus destroyed the works of the devil, brought man back to God, and paid the supreme price to re-establish man in the righteousness and authority of God Himself.  We are now called to rise up and walk in the triumphant, overcoming power of the living God.  Believers in Jesus Christ and His resurrection have passed from death to life.  We are now to reckon ourselves dead to sin (and its consequences) and alive to God.  All rise, and give glory to God by walking in His resurrection power.      

From Trouble to Greatness: Need to Partner with God

A ten-year old boy is terrified and deeply troubled when he overhears his mom and dad screaming crude expletives of hate toward each other.  A teenage girl doubts whether she is worth anything after being ridiculed for being fat, ugly, and dumb by her peers.  A business man, who crossed the line in drinking too much, blows an important account and loses his job.  A mother of three is served divorce papers, because her husband is involved with another woman, and now she faces having to provide for and raise the children by herself.  An old man, lonely and distraught in a nursing home feeling like his life was a total failure, is at the mercy of high school dropouts who work there because it was the only job available to them and who have no regard for the needs of the clientele.  What do these people and their situations have in common?

God has called them to "reign as kings in life" (Romans 5:17 AMP).  WHAT?

Yes it is true, everyone has life situations that seem overwhelming and defeating; the last thing we would call them is winning or reigning.   It is so easy to get depressed and feel sorry for ourselves, especially if we compare ourselves to others who seem to "have it made."  However, you are you and not someone else, so the question is "how are you going to face your problems?"

The good news is that God's plan for you hasn't changed, He has a way to rule as kings in your every situation by becoming a partner with God. There are three steps in our partnership with God.  First, God initiates what He wants by declaring it in His Word and having the Holy Spirit stir our hearts to believe it.  Second, we respond in obedience with prayer, fasting, or whatever He has called.  Third, God honors our response by releasing His power in that situation for which we have cried out. 

God will not do our part and we cannot do His part.  If we do not do our part, some of the help and blessing that God would have given us are withheld.  Our part includes making quality decisions to deny ourselves (say no to sin and pride); to feed our spirit on the Word, to ask for Divine help and intervention through prayer and fasting; and to embrace godly activities (service to others) and relationships.  There are many things that God will not give us individually until we pursue them in faith and obedience.

God's part includes releasing supernatural influences on our hearts (power, wisdom, desires); on our bodies (healing, strength); on our circumstances (provision, protection, direction); and on our relationships (favor).  God governs the universe in intimate partnership with His people through intercession. He has chosen to give His people a dynamic role in determining some of our quality of life, based on our response to the grace of God, particularly in prayer, fasting, obedience and meekness.  God opens doors of blessing and closes doors of oppression in response to prayer.  There are blessings that He has chosen to give, but only if His people rise up in the partnership of prayer to ask for them.  James said that we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2).  Jesus spoke of demons that would not stop tormenting people until driven out by prayer and fasting (Matt. 17:21).  Our prayers matter greatly, even when we do not feel their power.

God has given us the blueprint, His Word.  Prayer causes us to internalize God's Word as we speak His ideas back to Him.  Each time we say back to God what He has declared to us, it marks our spirit, illuminates our mind and tenderizes our heart.  Our character is transformed.  God's requirement that we pray reflects His desire for intimate partnership and connection with us.

In the world we have trouble (Scripture calls them tribulations.), but God says to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world.  He calls us to give all those cares to Him, declare His promises, and walk forward in simple obedience to God and the truth He has given.  Then, the eternal law of sowing and reaping allows Him to multiply our efforts with His response.  God is faithful and will never overlook our labor of love.  The very problems that the enemy meant to destroy us are the same stuff God uses to allow us to partner with Him and reign in life.  You can choose to partner with God and reign as kings.

Run with Horses

Are Things Going to Get Better or Worse?  
Yes.....Both.

In all four Gospels Jesus warns about the signs of the times and the incredible distress that will come on the earth at the conclusion of the age.  Consider a few descriptions from Jesus in Matthew 24, "nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places."  Then He adds "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake."   Because of such overwhelming statements, many people have such a fear of the end times that they don't even want to think about it.

However, on the other hand, God declares that of the increase of His government and His peace, there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7).  God further declares great anointing coming on His people, such that we will shine as lights and His glory will be seen on us (Isaiah 60:1-3).  Therefore, the end time sounds much like the passage of Psalm 23, "He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies."  Jesus explained that "a servant is not greater than his master.  If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20)  Therefore, just as Jesus turned Satan's greatest attack into glorious victory, His Spirit in us will provide the strength and power, the love and peace, to overcome all the plans of the enemy.  He will (always) lead us in triumph.

Perhaps the famous introduction by Dickens, in A Tale of Two Cities, is an appropriate description,
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  Clearly the Holy Spirit is preparing the Bride of Christ, convicting of sin and establishing righteousness, and calling us into an "Abba, Father" relationship that is so real and unshakeable, that nothing can separate us from the love of God the Spirit has poured into our hearts.  All who loved God through the ages longed to see what we and hear what we hear in these days.  It also follows that the enemy, the accuser of the brethren who tested Job, will likewise test us.  Yet Scripture states we are not ignorant of his designs.  Therefore, it is not a little thing to build ourselves up in the Holy Spirit and be so prepared that we know "God is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day (2 Timothy 2:1:12).  

How does the enemy attack?  First of all, consider the "why" that Jesus revealed, that Satan is a liar, and that he comes to "steal, kill and destroy."  In the parable of the sower, the enemy stole the "Word" from those who didn't understand or receive it.  Secondly, those who weren't well established in knowing Jesus Christ fell when there was persecution or conflict arising from holding God's truth.  Thirdly, those who held on to the world, loving the things of the flesh such as pride, immorality, money, and selfishness more than God, fell because these "weeds" choked the Word.  Is this not a clear trumpet calling us to seek a solid revelation of Jesus through His Word, to choose that which pleases God over what satisfies our fleshy desires, and to look upon Him who rewards forever so that we can stand the temporary sufferings of persecution.

Prophet Stanley Frodsham, friend of Smith Wigglesworth and author of his biography, prophesied in 1965 five years before he died, that God would empower His people with great glory and holiness in the last days.  However, he suggested that many would fall because we would be tempted, just like Jesus, with being offered the kingdoms of this world, and secondly, with severe rejection and persecutions.  He strongly calls for believers to let the Lord lead them into a walk of holiness where there will be great glory and "unspeakable joy."  (This prophecy entitled "Preparing for the Coming Glory Amid Tribulations, Persecutions" can be read in in its entirety on the Charisma Magazine website, charismamag.com)

Obviously, according to Paul's instruction to Timothy, all those who live godly lives will have tribulations.  Jesus said they are sure to come.  However, we need to learn how to "count it joy" and have "peace" and "glory in tribulations" (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-5) so God can grow us up.  He does not waste things, but uses all for our good.  God is faithful and He waits for us to choose to obey His Word so He can do it.

Stop, repent from being lukewarm, because now, before things get worse, is the time to seek God seriously. Ask the Holy Spirit to build you up in the truth of the Word and to form in you His character.  Quit complaining, but instead, be thankful and let Him work in and through you.  God told Jeremiah, “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?" Let God work in you now so when the day comes, you can run with horses.