PASTORS BLOG
November 2, 2011
The month of Novembr is the special month of expressing gratitude to what the Lord has done in our lives; also to give thanks for His blessings on us. Psalm 92:1 instructs It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Throughout this month, take the opportunity to write a thanksgiving gratitude list. It is good to do that will keep one focused on the blessing and goodness of God. And at the end of the month, I believe you will find you are in a better attitude because you spent time being thankful.
October 11, 2011
We are in the closing months of 2011 which actually set the stage for finalizing goals and vision for the coming new year. It is the time to be looking ahead to catch what God has envisioned for the months ahead. It is time to catch vision and cast vision. The thing about vision is that you may not know all the details but you have a confident belief that what God has revealed in measure all will be realized in full. Pastor Tony Miano has stated that vision "is the belief in one's heart that God is going to do something that is consistent with His will, and believing that what God is going to do will have an amazing impact on your life." Have you taken the opportunity to catch what God has envisioned for the days ahead of the coming year? If not, don't put it off, but rather catch the vision and by the power of the Holy Spirit see the expression of the vision come to pass!
September 13, 2011
Years ago I was listening to a message by a great minister of faith. In his message he mentioned having taken several prayers the apostle Paul had prayed concerning believers and prayed those over himself. I liked that. One of the Scripture prayers was from Colossians 1:9-11. Notice verse 9 from the NLT - "We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding." Every born-again believer will need the knowledge of God's will with spiritual wisdom and understanding. Therefore, I encourage you to take the prayer Paul prayed for the believers at Colossae and pray it over yourself. Let the knowledge of God be an important pursuit for you in these closing days before Jesus comes again. I believe you will be blessed as revelaion of the knowledge of God comes to you!
August 23, 2011
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed specific direction but were reluctant to ask for that direction? We all have had that experience. Everyone needs direction in any number of things that come before them; and no one is exempt from needing direction. No one! Contrary to some people's thinking, it is alright to ask for direction. It is not a disgrace to ask for direction. Asking does not make you less of a person but makes you a wiser person.
It is rather surprising how asking for direction can avert a lot of problems. The greatest hindrance to asking for directions is very simple: selfish pride -- ego. The cure for that is humility. So whenever you are faced with needing direction, be wise and humble and ask.
As born again children of God it is right for us to ask God for His direction in living for Him. Not only is it right for us to ask, it is wise for us to ask, and frankly, it is a must that we ask. He will give us exactly the direction we need along with wisdom, insight and understanding of His ways in order that our walk in Him will bring glory and honor to Him and blessing for us. The next time direction is needed don't let pride get in the way, just be quick to ask!
July 15, 2011
For centuries mankind has been interested in living in freedom, both in the physical realm and spiritual realm. Many have found freedom in both realms while many others have not. As we celebrated Independence Day a few days ago we were celebrating in the physical realm as freedom from tyranny of the rule of England of several centuries ago.
As a born-again redeemed child of God, I was also celebrating the freedom I have not only in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm as well because of what Jesus the living Son of God had done for me on the cross. No longer am I under the tyranny of an enemy who had held me under the slavery of sin.
By the blood of Jesus I have been redeemed from the kingdom of darkness no longer suffering under the bondage of sin in the spiritual realm. I have been called out and brought out of that kingdom into a greater kingdom of light in the spiritual realm. By Jesus' blood I have been set FREE.
Now, I have freedom both in the phyiscal natural realm and the spiritual realm. So while I thankfully celebrate in the history of Independence Day, I also thankfully celebrate freedom in Jesus. HOW ABOUT YOU?
June 14, 2011
Have you noticed lately the turmoil that is happening around the world? I'm sure that you have. God's Word courages us as born-again children of God to not more away from the hope that is in Gospel. We find in Colossians 1:23 to "continue in faith without being moved from the solid foundation of the hope that Good News contains." When life is going haywire, the best thing to do as believers is to remain steadfast in the Lord and in our walk of faith. Our faith must be grounded, settled, unshakable and unbreakable. Our faith is important for our eternal destiny. Let's not allow weariness to hinder our faith. Don't let trials and tests of life draw you off course. Stand strong in faith because when we hold fast we will remain grounded until the end.
May 3, 2011
There are multitudes of people who need to know that the pardon for all their sins comes to them on the basis of the shed blood of Christ. In Him they (and we) have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. There is no sin Jesus can't forgive, and there is no person Jesus cannot transform.
God has salvation for all people. Anyone can reach out by faith and turn to Jesus, surrender their life, come to the cross. When you believe in your heart, confess with your mouth, you will be saved, regenerated. You become a new person. You can now enjoy life!
So many people in our world today are not enjoying life and there are many reasons for that, but the fundamental most basic reason is, they have no relationship with Jesus. And without a relationship with Jesus there is no peace, joy or victory in their life.
Jesus came to give us an abundant life in order to experience within us His peace. joy and love. However, there are those who have received His salvation that are not experiencing an abundant fulfilled life of peace, joy and love. Why?
Most likely, because they do not understand and know what Christ Jesus has accomplished for them and what they have in Him. Everything has already been accomplished in Christ and given to every born-again believer; it is both already done and already ours!
As believers, we are not trying to get something from God; we are fighting to receive the full manifestation of what's already ours in Christ.
There are people who need Jesus as Savior and to know the abundant life He came to bring Therefore, any believer is to be the catalyst for Jesus to touch people for His glory today!
March 10, 2011
Music has always been a part of me for as long as I can remember. The times as a child gathered around a piano singing hymns and choruses are great memories. I remember one particular chorus was "so let the Son shine in". It was about opening our heart in order to let Jesus come in and abide.
This is still a must for many people today, especially in a violent world as we are living in. There are multitudes in the world who have not acknowledged their need of a Savior, nor opened their heart to receive Jesus. Being fishers of men is still the call of God today for the Church. For those who have opened their life to "let the Son shine in" encourage someone today to "let the Son shine in" their life.
February 8, 2011
A friend of mine, on an assignment from God, went to Guatemala to minister God's Word and encouragement to a group of pastors. He taught the Word, ministered encouragement and shared about God's great love. Upon his return he sent out a report of the time well spent, it was great.
This month of February offers believers a special opportunity to express love. And just as my friend went to minister the Word, bring encouragement and speak of God's love, so can we go forth on assignment for God to encourage and speak of God's love for mankind. During this special month of expressing love to family members, take an extra step to tell someone how much God loves them and what He did to express that love. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that every one who believes into Him would not perish, but would have eternal life (John 3:16).
It was a few days before the New Year I made an inquiry before the Lord for a fresh word for 2011, plus direction for the message for the first Sunday of the year. God graciously responded with two things: the message direction and a simple yet powerful word for the year. It is the fresh word that I want to share in this blog. Children of God will at times grow weary in standing for the prophetic words that have come to them, weary in standing in place for the visions and dreams that have come from the Lord and weary continuing in their confessions of faith. The word that came forth from the Lord was FULFILMENT!
As I meditated upon that prophetic word, there came the realization that there would be fulfilment of what we had been standing in faith for to come to fruition. The prophectic words given individually and over the congregation, the vision, and dreams that had come from God would find fulfilment. We would see accomplishment and completeness. This word fulfilment is meant to encourage us to continue steadfastly in our trust of the Lord, because He never fails His Word to us. He will complete, He will accomplish what He has given. Therefore be expectant in 2011.
December 1, 2010
I have always wanted to take a sleigh ride, especially down a country lane covered in snow with more snow falling ever so gently. During the Christmas movie season you will likely find at least one movie depicting a scene like that. However, as I get older and not liking the cold temperatures much, that particular want fades a little more each season, and that's OK.
Now, there is something that never fades, the reason for the Christmas season -- the Birth of Jesus. The awesome thing about this season and Gift is that it is an everlasting Gift and our response to it determines our everlasting destiny. Every day we who have received the gift of salvation from Jesus are blessed to have a gift of great joy that never fades away.
The angel said to the shepherds in the field tending their flocks, declared that he had great news, "good news of great joy for all people!" (Luke 2:10). I believe that scene never faded away from the shepherds' memory.
I recall of a time so many years ago that also will never fade away for me. I was a lad who was brought up in a godly home with parents and siblings who had received this everlasting Gift. I was the last one to make the personal decision to receive Jesus-the Gift.
Even as I write this I can see the scene as I accepted Jesus and realized His love for me and was water baptised. This salvation was a gift of great joy. And it is this joy that is still a part of me which never fades away.
Though I may never carry with me a memory of a sleigh ride down a country lane covered in snow in frigid temperatures with more snow falling, I will carry with me the great joyful memory of my Savior's love for me and the day I received His great gift of salvation. This will never fade away!
May you, the reader, if you have never accepted Jesus the gift of salvation do so today, and may you have a great 2010 Christmas celebration memory maker that too will never fade away!
November 16, 2010
In a few days a lot of people will have the opportunity to "Partake with thankfulness" as they gather around family and friends. Throughout the year thankfulness should be a part of us. It is not always easy to be thankful, but it is a lifestyle to live. Sadly there are many who may be hardpressed to find anyrthing to be thankful for on the surface. It is in those times of finding anything to be thankful for that we have to dig beyond the surface to find somethng to be thankful for. For every born-again child of God, partaking in life with thankfulness should not be difficult. God has done so much for us. We should be giving thanks with a grateful heart for all He has done, especially in the gift He has given through Jesus -- salvation and healing. Use the opportunity Thanksgiving gives to gives thank to Father for what He has done. Truly be an example of praise and thanks. Have a heartfelt Thanksgiving! Partake of the celebration with thankfulness!
October 13, 2010
I don't know about those of you who are reading this blog, but these political advertisements for the upcoming mid-term elections tend to discourage and quite frankly I've heard enough of the bad-mouthing. As I once again was confronted with one tearing down advertisement after another, I saw clearly the divisiveness that was brought forth.
I was reminded of a statement Jesus made, "a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand." The political system in our country of division is leading this nation to what all other nations/kingdoms through the ages have experienced: destruction. And somewhere in the future of this nation, as we know it, will soon go the way of many former nations and kingdom, UNLESS there is a turn back to God and His kingdom. For His kingdom is the only kingdom that will never fail. And that you can rest assued of.
September 1, 2010
I was reading my daily Bible reading and this particular day I added a chapter from Proverbs. Within that chapter I came to a verse that once again assured to me the importance of God's Word accompanying me every day and my attending to His Word.
Attend means, "to pay attention, to apply to oneself, to pay regard or heed, to accompany as a companion." I like that phrase - "to accompany as a companion" (as one who walks alongside).
This is exactly what God had in mind for His Word to do as we walk this earth: to accompany us and that we would heed, pay attention to and apply to ourselves. And this is also why the apostle Paul instructed believers at the Church of Colossae to "Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom teaching........" (Colossians 3:16).
As we allow the Word of God to daily be a passionate part of us, allowing it to accompnay us as a faithful companion, we will not fail. This faithful companion, this powerful Word within, enables us to stand strong in every situation.
When we make the Word of God our personal companion and possession, it becomes the weapon that will defeat satan for he cannot withstand the Word of God. This is why God gave His Word as a faithful accompanying companion.
It only takes one verse of Scripture from God's Word to work a miracle in our lives. No word of God is void of power. God and His Word are one and His Word will never fade away.
Therefore, take a few moments to checkout and meditate Proverbs 30:5 and Luke 21:33! I believe you will be glad you did.
August 2, 2010
An Important Precedent: Our Father God had set a precedent, a guide, for His sons and daughters when it came to worshiping Him. Consecration was the key element and still is today. Hezekiah had succeeded his father as king over Judah. His father had ignored God throughout his reign over Judah and the result was that the people cared not for the ways of the Lord. Consequently, worship was not a high priority in their life.
Yet when Hezekiah became king, he initiated reform with changes being made toward bringing worship back to the center of their lives. You can read about the changes that were made in 2 Chronicles 29-31 and I encourage you to do so, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring to your attention any adjustment needed in the area of consecration.
As the reform began, Hezekiah instructed the priests and Levites to consecrate themselves in order to carry out what was needed, and then, consecrate the house of God. Without consecration there could be no true worship. Without submission to God and a consecrating of one's service to God there would be no lasting improvement within, for it would remain as is - a status quo. Therefore, Hezekiah long for more.
He saw the need for restoring the worship of the Lord amongst the people as well as the realization that without improvement in their relationship with the Lord they would remain weak and distant. Under Hezekiah's direction, worship was restored, the Passover reinstituted, sacrifices and thank offerings given, idols destroyed and other reforms carried out and "every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered" (2 Chronicles 31:21).
It is likely that if Hezekiah were amongst us today, he would again be instrumental in bringing about the precedent of consecration to the Lord and in aspect of one's service to God. The apostle Paul put it this way: "Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Romans 12:1). This is consecration.
Hebrews 13:15 states, "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that give thanks to His name." This too is consecration. It is not rote, but life. It is likely today far too many believers have left off the consecrating of one's service to God and of giving unhindered worship.
I'm asking a pertinent question for the Church today: "Where is the heart for submitted worship; where is the abandonment of giving oneself to the spiritual service of worship"?
As the reforms to the house of God and to their own lives took place, "there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel" (2 Chronicles 30:26).
I believe God is asking of us, "are you consecrated to worshiping Me?" Oh, that there would be in born-again, blood bought people today a fresh consecration to the Lord; and may there be great joy in the house of God and in the lives of believers today! Amen!
July 2, 2010
Freedom is a great word, yet often misused and misunderstood. There are those who think that freedom is a license to do whatever they want, with no rules, nor restraints, which is to embody the realm of selfishness.
Freedom is liberty, independence, yet not without rules. It is being free of tyranny, confinement, bondage, slavery, not obstructed and going beyond due limits.
Freedom in America as stated by our forefathers was about Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Our forefathers came to this land to be free from tyrannical rule and obtain the liberty to worship God.
Every July, as a nation, we celebrate Independence from Great Britian and the signing of The Declaration of Independence. Every day we have the honor and privilege to live in a land espousing the joy of freedom. Multitudes have paid the price of death for us to have freedom.
And while we have freedom today in this great land known as the United States of America, we can have a freedom that goes beyond what we have as a result of the Declaration of Independence. There are decision being made in our government that has and is gradually taking away liberties that have been a part of our culture for years and one day we may be under tyranny again.
However, the freedom we born again blood bought believers have can never be taken away, no matter what governments do or demand. I have a freedom found only in Christ Jesus that liberates for all eternity. I have a freedom within my soul and spirit. I have been rescued from a tyranny of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of God through Jesus, God's Son, in whom I have redemption-the forgiveness of sins.
I am free from the tyranny of satan and his domain of sin. The Blood of Christ has purchased my freedom and I am enjoying freedom that is far beyond all I could ask or think. And every day I have the honor and privilege to espouse and lay claim to the joy that has been set before me! Thank God Almighty, I am FREE! Hallelujah!
June 15, 2010
"We have heard the joyful sound, Jesus saves, Jesus saves. Spread the tidings all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves. Bear the news to every land, climb the steeps and cross the waves; onward is our Lord's command: Jesus saves, Jesus saves" are the words that Priscilla J. Owens penned in 1910. These words still echo the cry of Jesus today, as there are multitudes who have never experienced this wonderful truth in their lives that Jesus saves.
Recently, I have had the privilege to read about one man' journey of being a herald of declaring this powerful truth of salvation. In reading about his journey of sharing the good news that Jesus saves, he strongly declares the Church has lost sight of its mission of sharing the gift of salvation and the life that Jesus came to bring.
It has stirred something within me--a revolution of sorts, by challenging the way we share the good news of salvation. In America the church has fallen victim to deception of having a social club status. The truth is that people need to know Jesus came to set captives of sin free through salvation and that salvation will bring a change within that a social club never will.
As the day of Jesus' return draws near, it is time the church ends its social club behavior and renew their heralding of Jesus saves, Jesus saves!
May 13, 2010
I'm hearing more and more about the soon coming of Jesus for the Church to meet us, His family, in the air. Thinking about this, I was drawn to a passage of Scripture from Matthew 25 about the coming of the bridegroom. In this passage (25:1-13) Jesus shares about ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. I believe these virgins are symbolic of believers in their awaiting the return the bridegroom: five of the virgins were wise, the other five were foolish. It is about preparation, that is, readying themselves for the bridegroom's coming. I wonder if this could be a picture of the Church today, some are ready and have prepared for such a time, while others have not prepared. I see this also as a relationship issue: knowing Jesus personally by experiencing His gift of salvation; and knowing Him, having a token relationship with no abiding, no intimacy, no preparation, and no urgent expectancy.
Since Scripture is true concerning Jesus is coming for the family of believers, it is wise on our part to make sure that our relationship with Jesus is intact, vibrant with life and waiting expectantly. If it would be that someone reading this has not a personal relationship with Jesus that will last into eternity, now would be a poignant time to receive His gift of salvation and ready yourself for His coming. Peace!
April 6, 2010
Celebrating Jesus and His resurrection is to be done with great joy. He took our huge sin debt upon Himself for all people for all times as the justice of God demanded. The purpose of His death on the cross was to bring forth new life in as many people who would acept His gift of salvation. When Jesus declared "IT IS FINISHED" He was announcing the victory He had purchased for us that we now have in Him. No longer are we held in bondage to the devil's ways, we now have victory over him. Plus, where we were once separated from God because of our sin, we now have access to Him and can commune with Him. The debt we owed because of sin that we could never pay has NOW been PAID IN FULL! And Jesus declares this new life we now live as born again ones is to be an abundant life, lived to overflowing. It's time to celebrate!
March 17, 2010
In the past two months there have been 15 earthquakes with the worst in devastation being in Haiti and then in Chile. Things are being shaken. I read recently that for several years now scientists have been working on techniques for earthquake resistant buildings. Their goal is to build structures that have enough strength, flexibility and proper foundation to withstand the forces of nature.
God has been working on this for centuries in building His people. Jesus Christ is the foundation, the Chief cornerstone. God's goal is to build in His people a life that is unshakeable, that is anchored, immovable and indestructible. A life that is anchored on the right foundation is a life that is not without problems and difficulties but is a life graced in Christ that is enabled to live above the problems. This is a life lived through faith in God and His Word. Through faith in God and His Word you and I can stand firm and strong, unshakeable through the storms that will come. Notice Psalm 55:22 which encourages us to "Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." It is our trust in our unshakeable almighty eternal God that enables us to remain steadfast. And I give Him thanks and praise! What about you?
February 14, 2010
Growing up in a large family I remember times my brothers and sisters along with Mom and Dad would gather around the piano and my oldest sister would began to play either hymns or chorus and it was a great time with everyone singng. Love was being expressed, love for one another, love for music, but especially love for God. I remember one chorus particularily that spoke to me again and again: "For God so loved the world He gave His only Son to die on calvary's tree from sin to set me free, some day He's coming back what glory that will be, wonderful His love for me."
Oh, I knew my family loved me, but to think that Almighty God cared for me with His wonderful love was a bit overwhelming. Today, I am so blessed to have surrendered to His wonderful love. It is a joy to rest in the love of my heavenly Father. And the day is coming when Father will bring us into His eternal glory, and everlasting wonderful love, and once again the family will gather to sing new songs of praise and worship. That will be glory for us all.
January 5, 2010
There are a couple of poignant (crucial) verses of Scripture that should accompany us as we step into this new year of 2010:
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster.To give you a future and a hope! (NLT);
Psalm 138:8 "The Lord will work out his plans for my life -- for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you have made me" (NLT).
Biblical hope is a confident expectation that the promises of God mean that something good, something better is guaranteed in our future. As a child of God, it is right for you and I to anticipate and expect great things from God to happen to us.
It is right to expect this even in the midst of uncertainty because we are placing our future and hope in what He has planned and wanted for us. The prophet Jeremiah also declared that God is faithful and His mercies are fresh and new every morning. This means, it is right for us to hope for God's best and anticipate its arrival every moprning.
So, I encourage you in this new year to have confident expectation - biblical hope - that God's plans are always for our good. Confidently expect that Something Good Is Coming your way in 2010!
December 18, 2009
The Christmas season is intended to be a time of HOPE, PEACE, and LOVE when everything around us screams otherwise. What is so unique about Christmas that the world's system does everything it can to commercialize the season?
There are three vitally important facts that make Christmas so unique:
1. The WORD - Jesus - came to earth. He came with a specific purpose (John 1:14);
2. The WORD - Jesus - became a man (Philippians 2:6-7);
3. The WORD - Jesus - came for our benefit, to offer us life through salvation and to free us from sin (Romans 6:23). No one else could do that for us.
So, as you gather together with family and friends this special season, remind yourself of the uniqueness Christmas and why it is so important to your life. And may hope. peace and love fill your being this Christmas and always.
November 11, 2009
I have enjoyed the story about a short conversation a reporter once had with Rudyard Kipling. Rudyard Kipling was, as some may know, a prolific writer authoring many books and prose. The story goes that one day a reporter came up to Mr. Kipling stating that he had read that someone had calculated the money Mr. Kipling had made from his writings amounted to over a hundred-dollars a word.
And with that said, the reporter reached into his pocket pulled out a one hundred-dollar bill, and said: "Here's a hundred-dollar bill, Mr. Kipling. Now give me one of your hundred-dollar words."
Mr. Kipling looked at the money, put it in his pocket and said: "Thanks!"
Now I don't know what word the reporter expected from Mr. Kipling, but I imagine it wasn't "Thanks!" I imagine the reporter thinking it would be some difficult to pronounce word. I also think that the word he received was to him a complete surprise. I'm hoping you would agree with me that the small word "Thanks!" is a very important word and more likely worth thousands of one hundred-dollar bills.
And I'm thinking that the art of being thankful, has become almost a lost art; for it seems to me that the world we are living in is more greedy and more selfish than "thankful". It also seems to me this is a good time to take inventory of where "thanks!" fits in with the scheme of present life by examining how often the word "Thanks" is a part of our vocabulary.
Until next time: "Thanks" for taking time to read this as well as making needed adjustment and application.
October 21, 2009
In our area over the past few weeks, there has been a concerted effort to get the H1N1 flu vaccine to those who will likely need it. A couple of medical groups have hosted outdoor places where those needing the vaccine could drive to and nurses would administer the vaccine - a sort of doctor's office without walls. When Jesus stated, as Matthew 16:18 records, "I will build My Church," He was not talking about a building, He was talking about His people. "My Church" is not a building, it is a people not confined by walls. We are to be His church without walls. In other words, His people are not to be confined to a building, but to go out administering His blessing to others much like the medical groups going outside the hospitals to the parking areas to administer vaccine. God's plan for His people is that we take His kingdom with us into the world in which we live and work. We are to give demonstration that God's kingdom is alive. There are many people needing the vaccine of God's saving grace, mercy, compassion and healing. Some will not enter into a "church" building, but they can experience God's power at work outside the walls of a building through believers. Believers, as ambassadors, are meant to go outside the walls of a "church building" and administer God's kingdom to the world, in essence, being His church without walls. I'm not saying we shouldn't have buildings where the body of Christ can meet together, I am saying that those buildings shouldn't have us. Those gathering places are where we, as believers, can be filled up with His Word and power to go forth revealing the blessings of God's Kingdom!
September 25, 2009
How many times have you heard phrases like, "they don't make them like they used to," or "what happened to the quality of things" as well as numerous other phrases that depict deficit products? Most likely hundreds of times. We have become so used to products not lasting as long that when things break down or don't work correclty we just throw them away because trying to repair them would cost more than purchasing new.
It seems to me that many have done the same with God. The thinking is, "I'll try God" and when God doesn't work like we want Him to, we toss Him away, so to speak, like we do everything else. Then we explain our action by saying that God isn't relevant. What we really mean is God is not applicable to our life.
The truth of the matter is, He is relevant and applicable to any matter at hand. He has always been relevant, trustworthy, unchanging and had a high standard for life. He is relevant to the purpose of abundant life, abundant blessing, abundant peace and abundant victory for every true believer. The question is: are we relevant to His plan and purpose for our life?
August 26, 2009
Have you ever been known to upset the world as a believer, or labeled as a "troubler" because of the indwelling Word of God in your life? The book of Acts reveals such an incident. The apostle Paul was on his second missionary journey and joined by Silas and a few other companions going to different cities and preaching the Word of God. Their journey took them to Thessalonica. There Paul spoke to people from the Scriptures (Acts 17) resulting in a large number of people receiving the truth and being blessed, but not everyone was as excited. Some Jews stirred up trouble and blamed Paul and Silas for it calling them "troublemakers."
I'm thinking that in this time of worldwide problems, it would be good for believers to "upset" or "trouble" the world with the truth of God and His Word. Due to the preaching of God's Word in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 8) great persecution came to the believers and they were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.
Wherever the believers went they proclaimed the Good News about Jesus and salvation. It is once again time for believers to be ministering the Word of God with power, faith and authority that will cause a stir and change in people's lives. The world needs believers believing the Word of God and doing the will of God and letting those without Christ see change in the lives of believers.
Yes, it is time for true believers to be causing a stir wherever they go all over the world. Who knows, maybe we will join the status of Paul and Silas as those who are upsetting and troubling the world!
July 14, 2009
I recently shared some messages about the importance of God's Word in our lives. Every one faces situations where a particular verse of Scripture could bring encouragement. This happened two days ago.
A friend's daughter had been experiencing some difficulties which lead to having to make some tough decisions that would affect her future. My friend emailed me sharing a little bit and shared that his daughter had asked for prayer and clarity as to decisions to be made. I took a few moments to pray for her. A short while later as I was again checking email, his email caught my attention. And within me, in my spirit, came the words, "path direction." What immediately came to me was "the path of the righteous" which is a phrase from Scripture. It is found in Psalm 4:18 "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day."
So how does this relate to this daughter's request? The following is what the Holy Spirit ministered to me: "She has asked for clarity and direction for her path. And as she has asked, I will give her clarity each day until there is no wondering, or wavering as to what to do. She will come to know clearly and with full assurance, just as the sun's first rays begin to lighten up the day, to the decisions to make and the path to take." So I emailed my friend what I had gotten from the Holy Spirit and waited to received something back. The email came with an encouraging word: "I shared with her what you had received and this verse brought encouragement to her." Praise God! Thank You Jesus!
This verse brought encouragement to her and is helping to steady her in a time of difficult, yet important, decision making and adjustments. This is what God's Word does. The Word brings exactly what we need in each situation. In fact, according to Psalm 119:105 God's Word "is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" The Bible in Basic English (BBE) of this verse reads "Your word is a light for my feet, ever shining on my way." God's Word is a lamp and light to us so that we can walk clearly and see the path we are to take. Let's "Thank God" for His Word and its encouragement in our lives! To God be the glory!
April 28, 2009
Have you been in a conversation with someone and their comment to you was, "I identify with that?" This means that through a similiar experience that person can recognize the same thing, or in union with.
The Bible reveals that Christ Jesus identifies with us: He became one with us in sin, that we might become one with Him in righteousness. "He who knew no sin became sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21). He became as we were, to the end that we might be as He is.
He became identified with us so that we could become identified with Him in His victory over sin, poverty, lack, sickness and disease, and the devil.
Upon Jesus was laid the sin, diseases and sicknesses of the human race. Isaiah 53:10 "Yet is pleased Jehovah to bruise him; he has made him sick." Because Jesus was identified with us, become as we were, we can identify with Him in His victory and can truly say. "I identify with Him." Therefore, what He has accomplished, we can accomplish, what He was victorious over, we can be (and are) victorious over: sin, poverty, lack, sickness, disease and the devil. We are identified in Christ!
April 16, 2009
I was preparing for Wednesday evening prayer gathering and had just read something that brought another aspect of prayer.
Have you ever thought about your praying as sowing seed? When seed is sown, you do so for a harvest. The earth revolves around the principle of sowing and reaping, seed-time and harvest, cause and effect, action and reaction.
When you pray for someone and their need, or pray for a particular ministry, are you not expecting something good to come from praying? Are you not expecting something good to happen? What is this but expecting a result, expecting a harvest. "While the earth goes on, seed-time and the getting in of the grain...."(Genesis 8:22, Bible in Basic English).
The next time you are praying remember you are sowing seed into that particular situation and believe to see the harvest coming.
April 14, 2009
CHOICES, CHOICES, DESTINY!
Everyday people are faced with choices. It all starts in the morning after rising out of bed and preparing for the day ahead: to shower or not to shower, what cologne, what perfume, what clothes and shoes to wear, what to eat for breakfast, what to do for lunch, etc, you get the picture.
Living life is about choices and choices decide destiny. Moses, the leader of Israel, counseled the people that before them had been set life and death and stated that they Choose life in order that you may live (Deuteronomy 30:19). Joshua, the leader of Israel after Moses' death, now responsible for bringing the Children of Israel into the Promised Land brought the challenge before the people about their choices in the days ahead and stated: Choose whom you will serve! (Joshua 24:15).
The choice for every person today is the same: Resurrection Life, or Eternal death; eternal life with God, or eternal hell. Whatever the choice decides destiny!
March 24, 2009
I often hear people say, "It would be good if I had this, or won this, or had that job, or any number of things." Most often this is due to our thinking that getting these things would bring happiness.
However, I agree with the pslamist Asaph who said, "But for me it is good to be near God....." Ps. 73:28a
Experiencing God's goodness is what makes life so good. Things do not bring lasting happiness. But connecting with God and having His daily presence within brings joy far beyond happiness. Happiness is seasonal, while joy will last a lifetime. So for me, the nearness of God is my good!
March 3, 2009
Leviticus 26:11-13 I will make my dwelling among you and my soul shall not abhor you. 12--And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people. 13--I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect.