OBEDIENCE: POSITIONING FOR THE BLESSINGS OF GOD!

John 14:15 “ If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 15:10 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love…”

Obedience is the decisions in our lives that position us for the Promises of God to take effect in our lives. It is loving obedience that causes us to “abide” in Him. That simply means to remain connected in fellowship with Him. John 15: 7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you will, and it will be done unto you.” In Psalm 91, a classic filled with a multitude of God’s promised blessings, the key to positioning ourselves for His blessings is stated as the one who “dwells in the secret place of the Most High” and “abides under the shadow of the Almighty.” Isaiah 1:19 “If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land…”
Let me share with you in two small examples how God is able to bless us and others through our simple obedience even to the small things in life.

Today I was driving down the road toward a business appointment, when I suddenly felt impressed in my spirit to pray for a friend of mine that I have recently reconnected with. I had no clue as to what specifics I needed to pray, so I began to allow the Holy Spirit to pray for me. When I don’t know how to pray, I begin to pray in the Spirit.(Romans 8:26) About ten minutes after I had finished praying, I called my friend to let him know the Lord had placed him on my heart and that I was praying for him! No answer!

About 30 minutes later he called me and told me the following. He had been working in Washington D.C. on scaffolding about forty feet in the air, when a pipe that secured the scaffolding to the side of the building broke loose and the scaffolding separated from the building and began to fall. It separated approximately five or six feet from the edge of the building and miraculously did not continue to fall. Somehow it stopped and he was able to scamper down the scaffolding as fast as his feet would carry him.

The reason he could not answer his phone was that he left it up on the scaffolding. The scaffolding began to fall just as I had begun to pray in the Spirit, and somehow God privileged me to be a part of His protective promise for my friend John! John’s response after he returned my call and realized what had taken place was “Isn’t the Holy Spirit awesome?” That is not coincidence; that is God!
Earlier this week, on the first day back from vacation I was working my way through a packed day filled with work that had piled up while we were away. As is my standard practice, I have a list of all the things I need to get done for the day, and when I complete each item, I practice asking the Lord what to tackle next. I had planned on spending a good portion of the afternoon on securing new business with a host of phone calls. Late morning after completing another task on my list, I asked the Lord what was next and I heard the following. “Go read your Bible and spend some time with Me.”

Maybe He didn’t realize that I was all backed up from vacation and really didn’t have the time at that moment. Perhaps I could find time later on that evening. He persisted and not being as stupid as I look, I decided to take a break and go refresh myself in the presence of the Lord. I picked up my Bible and began to talk with Him.

My cell phone rang about ten minutes into my time. I answered the phone and it was a customer of ours who said the following. “Ken, I want you to know I just got rid of one of my current vendors about ten minutes ago and you popped into my head to replace them at a cluster of our Properties. I want you to get started this week!” We started today and even before we finished our first job, he added three more onto the list for next week.

What would have happened if I decided to ignore the voice and keep on working? As I stated I had been walking in obedience for ten minutes and it appears as soon as I responded “Yes Lord!” this customer started thinking about me and called me to give us a lot of new business. That freed me up an entire afternoon to work on other items I had to do.

These blessings of God are available to those who “listen diligently unto the voice of the LORD God, to observe and to do all his commandments (Everything He asks you to do) …and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if you will listen and obey the voice of the LORD thy God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2 Loving Obedience positions us to secure the blessings of God both for ourselves and for others.

Fill out the comment section on the website with your examples of obedience procuring God’s blessings for you or for others!

One that loves God obeys God!

COMPASSION, MERCY AND GOD'S HEALING!

Psalm 145:8-9" The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."



On one of my recent trips to Africa the day was rapidly approaching for the time of Ministry and I had NOTHING to say on my heart. I was having a very difficult time in getting through with sending or receiving emails when all of a sudden only one email broke through containing the above verse of Scripture. God spoke to my heart and I preached for seven straight days and the insight on God's Mercy and Compassion just kept pouring out from His heart to mine, to those in the meetings.



Incredible miracles were breaking out all over the place and I knew that I had discovered a part of the Heart of God that few people of our time had encountered. I knew that we had touched a part of the heart of God that few men rarely ventured into. We were pursuing the very heart and essence of God...not what He could do or be for us! We were no longer seeking a healing touch from God; we were seeking the Healer Himself! There is a vast difference in the search and the resulting treasure. 2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (loyal) toward him." God is not only willing but eager to pour out His favor and demonstrate His power on behalf of all those who enable Him to do so.

When the people heard the truth concerning God's Heart of Mercy and Compassion and began to cry out for His Mercy and Compassion, tugging at His Heart strings, His Power began to flow! Just like the Bible stories, when you catch a hold of His heart, His Power begins to flow! Do you know that when you receive a revelation concerning His Mercy and begin to cry out you cause Jesus to take notice of you and your situation? Matthew 29:30-34 "...behold, two blind men sitting by the way side... cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David...And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight..." When they cried out for His Mercy...Jesus stood still! They stopped Him in His tracks and He focused His attention on them and their situation!

In today's Scripture it is stated that "The Lord is gracious..." This means that the Lord is disposed to show favor. This is the same Lord Jesus who during His earthly ministry "went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." Matthew 14:14 Today the Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of God "that he might be a merciful (compassionate)and faithful high priest..." Hebrews 2:17

He continues today in healing sick bodies, tormented minds and bruised emotions because He is still moved by Compassion. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Compassion is defined in the Greek and Hebrew as "loving tenderly, showing mercy or compassion, eagerly yearning from deep within." The same word is used interchangeably throughout the Scriptures. The Mercy of God can then be defined as "the deep eager yearning from the heart of God (His core essence; 1 John 4:16...God is Love!") to remove the source of distress in someone's life.

God's Mercy and Compassion is not something that God does; it is Who He is! Ths essence of God is what motivates or moves His heart to respond to our needs. God doesn't heal to show off or demonstrate His power. He does it because He can't help but respond, because of His Mercy, to those who will allow Him and whenever we make it possible for Him to do so.

WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT WHAT GOD CAN DO. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT HE YEARNS TO DO!

MARK 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. By showing His Compassion in the healing of the sick, Jesus unveiled the very heart of God to help the people, and the multitudes came to Him for help. The enemy and some church people are shouting that the age of Miracles is past, until they have almost silenced the Truth of God's Word that Jesus has Not Changed!

Today's pulpits are more concerned and focused on the Power of God rather than concentrating on the Heart of God. We wrongly focus on the power of God instead of HIS WILLINGNESS TO USE THAT POWER FOR US.

READ THIS VERY CAREFULLY AND READ IT OVER AND OVER UNTIL YOU GRAB A HOLD OF THIS TRUTH:

IT IS NOT FAITH IN GOD'S POWER THAT RELEASES YOUR HEALING. IT IS FAITH IN HIS LOVE, HIS MERCY, HIS COMPASSION AND HIS WILL!

Allow me to give you the Bombard paraphrase to ponder...

"The Lord is gracious and naturally disposed to pour out His favor upon you. He is full of compassion and of great mercy. He can't help Himself but pour out of His innermost being, the essence of Who he is, that being Love, in order to remove any source of distress in your life, including sickness, infirmity and disease. This He will do on all who allow Him by walking in obedience to His eternally established principles and take Him at His Will as revealed in His Word, believing in its final authority! Above all remember that His tender mercies, compassion and love reign supreme as the primary motivation over all that He does!" Psalm 145:8-9

GET A HOLD OF THE HEART OF GOD; GET HEALED!

IS HEALING GOD'S WILL?

1 John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us: And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Whenever I want to know God’s will in most any matter, the first place I look obviously, is in the Bible. The Bible is The Manufacturer’s Handbook and it reveals to us God’s Will in most areas of our lives. If you want to know His will regarding the mission trip to Africa or exactly how much money to give in the next offering, then you need to talk with the Holy Spirit and He will lead you into all truth regarding those kinds of matters. (John 16:13)

If you need to know God’s will for your eternal destiny, loving others, proclaiming the Good News or Divine Healing, then we dive into the riches of His Written Word. In regards to healing, 1 John 5:14 states that if we are to be confident that he will heal us of our sicknesses, diseases and infirmities, then we NEED TO KNOW HIS WILL pertaining specifically to this matter. We must know what His will is concerning any matter if we are to receive from God.

James 1:6-8 states that we are to “…ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”If we are unable to know God’s will on any specific matter then it is impossible to ask God “in faith”and to be single minded on the eventual outcome. The Bible states that a man that does not know His will is unable to “receive anything from God.” If you want the possibility of God healing you, then you must know it to be His Will!

Even more specifically, I dive into the Gospels and listen to the Words of Jesus and watch His life and actions toward those who are sick. Jesus said “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…”John 14:8 If I want to know how God responds to the sick, I observe His characteristics as evidenced in the life of Jesus. “Behold, I have come to do your will O God.”Hebrews 10:7 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38”

Do you know the only time Jesus would not or could not heal EVERYONE who came to Him for healing was when He was faced with incredible unbelief attempting to minister to those in need in His own home town. “And he could there do no mighty work, except he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching…”Mark 6:5-6

When I discovered this event, I learned that people can literally thwart the healing power of God from flowing. It says He COULD NOT DO, not that he didn’t want to but that he Couldn’t heal many people. Notice His response to this unbelief. “He went round about the villages teaching…” When He encountered unbelief and was unable to fulfill the will of God for healing these people, He began to teach them on faith, believing and receiving from God.

Every other time when people came to Jesus for healing, He never refused them. Sometimes the Providence of God was released and Healing flowed. Other times people were healed in response to their own faith. God may choose to heal you through Divine Choice (Providence; Mark 3:1-6) but He will always heal those who come in Faith asking! Matthew 9:29 “Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.”

Observe the following Scriptures and see the Will of God on display in Jesus’life…

Mt 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Mt 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Mr 6:56 And wherever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Lu 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. Lu 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

Matthew 8:16-17 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

David was a man who pursued and discovered the very heart of God and the Holy Spirit revealed to him a very special fact. Let these words sink deep into your heart today.

“Praise the LORD, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” Psalm 103:2-5

Since Jesus is the “…same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Heb 13:8, He has not changed and still desires to heal you today. In Acts 10:34 the Bible states “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” Simply put, this means if God forgives all of David’s sins and heals all of his diseases, He will do the same for you! God does not love you any less than He does David!

Let me leave you with this thought. If you are convinced that God might not want to heal you, then why are you going to the Doctor and shaking your fist in the Face of God’s Will?

Settle in your mind….That God wills to heal You of all your sickness, disease and infirmities!

“I am the Lord that healeth thee!” Exodus 15:26

SICKNESS AND DISEASE ARE RUNNING RAMPANT. WE NEED TO LOOSE THE WORD OF GOD REGARDING DIVINE HEALING. I’M CONFIDENT THERE IS SOMEONE IN YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE WHO NEEDS A TOUCH FROM GOD TODAY. GET THESE WORDS IN YOUR HEART. IF YOU DON’T NEED THEM TODAY, REST ASSURED THAT YOU WILL SOON. WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!

There is healing in the Name and provision of Jesus!

What to Do in Times of Trouble!

Deuteronomy 4:30 “When those bitter days have come upon you in the latter times, you will finally return to the Lord your God and listen to what he tells you. 31For the Lord your God is merciful—he will not abandon you…nor forget the promises he has made…”

Jesus said “…In the world you will have tribulation…” John 16:33 All around me I am hearing the heart cries of people whose lives are being torn apart through trials, tribulations, turmoil and distress. Don’t be surprised because Jesus told us that those things were inherent in the world we live in. Tribulation is part of the sin infested world in which we live.

What is a Christian to do when trouble or calamity strikes? May I just share a few simple truths with you today? Tonight I rehearsed what the Lord has trained me to do as I have uncovered various principles in His life giving Word.

1) Check Your Current Connectivity… John 15:3 Jesus said that “…apart from me, you can do nothing.” I have learned that when trouble comes my way it’s time to stop and listen to the Voice of the Lord. Tell me Lord what do I have to do? Where have I gone wrong? I know that fiery darts (trials) are going to come my way, but they don’t have to get through unless I have broken the hedge of God’s protection. Ecclesiastes 10:8 “He that…breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”

When they have broken through, I immediately go to him so that He can honestly assess my current connectivity. Isaiah 59:2 “…your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Herein lies a major key. When I am walking in un-confessed OR un-repented sin, I have been separated from the ability to hear His voice (His directives or plan of victory or escape) or receive of His Divine ability and power in my situation. That sin which has not been dealt with breaks my fellowship (intimacy) with God. 1John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth”

I allow Him to be honest with me…How’s my relationship? How’s my walk and my testimony? Letting God be honest with us is often very difficult, because His light exposes everything, and sometimes I look pretty ugly to myself.

2) Give Him Lordship Over All…Matthew 6:33 “Put God and His Kingdom first and everything else will be given to you.” Tell Him that you don’t want lordship over this situation or any situation in your life. Admit you aren’t able to handle it by yourself. Paul said that “…in my weakness, His strength is made perfect…” Proverbs 3:6 states “In all your ways acknowledge Him…”

3) Seek His Direction… Proverbs 3: 6 continues in stating that when you acknowledge Him, “He will direct your paths.” This is a difficult process which seems to take a lifetime of practice and submission to His Lordship, beginning with even the smallest of troubles. It’s also helpful to be connected with a Brother or Sister in the Lord, who is willing to remind us to seek the Lord and His directives. When He issues your directions, obey them, for without your loving obedience, you will be handling your trial on your own!

4) Rehearse His Names.. There is something in the makeup of God that causes Him to show up when His name is revered and proclaimed. David called on his deliverer when he faced and defeated the giant. Paul and Silas sang praises to His name in the prison and the walls fell down. Elijah called on His name on Mount Carmel and defeated the prophets of Baal. Jesus called on His name on the Cross and claimed victory over death, hell and the grave. Psalm 22:3 states that He “…inhabits the praises of Israel.” When His Name is called, He shows up on the scene and rescues His people.
Call on the Comforter, the Healer, the Deliverer, the Provider, the Champion, the Almighty, the Turner of Hearts, the Savior!

5) Expect His Victory… even in the appearance of defeat. Remember His Word! Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” No matter what the source of your situation, (self, world, devil or the Lord) He will work it out for your good! You will get the ultimate victory and He will get glory! 2Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ…”

No one ever said that this life would be free from heartache and hardship, but rest assured that He will go through it with you, if you allow Him! You don’t need to go it alone.
If you know someone today who is under assault, please share these words with them! God will use you greatly!

IN LOVE WITH GOD!

Matthew 22: 37-38 "Jesus said to him, you shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."

The Bible plainly tells us that loving God is the greatest principle contained within it's pages. Loving God is the reason you were created. To live within a love relationship with Him is the highest of all life purpose and without this intimacy we will live a life that remains frustrated, meaningless, stagnant, empty and without purpose!

So many people do not know the very basics of Loving God. Let's keep in mind we are commanded (it's not optional) to love Him with "all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind." We are so often concerned that if we love God in this manner that we won't have any time or affections left for others in our lives. The opposite is true. We are told in Matthew 6:33 that if we put God "first" and the affairs of His "Kingdom" and "righteousness" then all the "things" of life are taken care of!

Let's think for a moment about some of the principles we employ when we set our affections on others close to us. If we apply these same tactics to our relationship with God, we will be off to a good start in loving Him, as well.

1) Set aside time to spend with Him. I remember when I first met my wife, Debbie, I believe that I invested enough in fuel taxes to repave all of Richie highway as I traveled back and forth between Pasadena & Annapolis. She became a priority on my daily schedule. it was amazing how much time I had for her when I re-prioritized my life and other interests. You cannot build a relationship by remaining separated or without spending good quality time together.
Time chatting while eating or riding down the road is good, but true intimacy only develops when our sole focus of the moment is on the one we love. Set two or three times a week, initially and have a date with God. Do not cancel, it may harm your relationship!

2) Good love relationships are not easy to develop. They take a lot of effort and good old fashioned work. "...Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6 Another translation says He rewards those who "diligently seek Him." Sincerely seeking and diligently seeking, both speak of working to build relationship with God. After all the years of relationship with the world, it takes a concentrated effort to focus on God.

3) Communication is essential! Most of us have no problems bombarding God with our problems and needs, but when it comes to listening to his heart, we need to employ the skills the prophet Samuel learned. "...Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” 1 Samuel 3:10

We need to learn to be open and honest with God (He knows all of our thoughts anyway), and we need to allow God to be open and honest with us! This is one of the biggest obstacles to developing intimacy with Him. We don't want to hear what He has to say and oftentimes when He does begin to speak into our hearts correction or conviction, we begin to shout Him down with our religious banter! Sometimes heart exchanges with our loved ones can be painful! However, if we wish the relationship to deepen these exchanges of truth need to be allowed in our time together.

4) We willingly and affectionately lay down our own self centered desires to reap a harvest of love from our loved one. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God..." Ephesians 5:21 We become givers as a result of our new natures. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ..." 2 Cor 5:17-18 We remain givers by the continual oversight and review of our will.We, as a result of our continued, deepening relationship with God, commence to take on the character and nature of God, Himself. " For God so loved the world, that he gave...: John 3:16

We too become givers as we spend time with Him.

5) We discover and share each others giftings and talents. The more time we spend in reading His Word and in discovery of His character and nature, the more we fall in love with Him. The more time we spend basking in His presence the more He begins to reveal Himself to us. (In our own relationships, we DO NOT reveal our innermost thoughts, impressions, motivations and desires to those who are mere acquaintances.)

When we first encounter a loved one , we simply "love" them based on first impressions and external observations. The more time we spend together, the more we are able to observe the intangibles which form the very foundation for any long lasting, intimate relationship. (loyalty, faithfulness, trustworthiness, etc...)The more you know Him, the more your heart goes out to Him and the deeper relationship you develop. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord..." 2 Peter 1:2

Here's the way it develops...
The More you know Him, the More you love Him!
The More you love Him, the more you trust Him!
The more you trust Him, the more you obey Him!

6) Finally as your intimacy progresses, you couple together to produce offspring.When you spend time with Him, you discover that His heart goes out for other hearts who desire to be with Him. 2Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect (loyal) toward him."

His desire is that you remain so intimate and connected to Him (Two operating as one) that your life is filled with much fruit. John 15:5 in The Message says it this way. "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. "

Then out of our Love relationship, and having laid down our own interests and desires, we begin to pursue the desires of His heart. We allow His Holy Spirit to influence others through our lives and the anointing which flows out of us. Out of His love for us and our love for Him, we obey Him and He manifests Himself to us and others.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

Do we really love God with all all your heart, soul, strength and your mind, as He desires and commands?
I Think Not!

Let's begin or intensify (Whichever place you're at) the journey into the heart of God.
Begin Today.

IT AIN'T OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER!

Exodus 14:9-10 “But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid:”

So oftentimes, we put limits on the abilities and desires of our God. We liken His character and His attributes to those of mere mortals and as a result we fall short of seeing His Glory on display. Israel was about to be miraculously delivered from 400 years of bondage and slavery at the hands of the wicked Pharoahs. Israel had obeyed the Word of the Lord and they were marching exactly as He had directed them, until they encountered their first obstacle. They had come upon the waters of the Red Sea. Mountains to the right and mountains to the left; the sea lay straight ahead and behind them were Pharoah and his army bent upon their total annihilation! And because they could see no way out, they “were sore afraid.” They were terrified and lost their faith. They reduced God down to their own capabilities. Somehow He had lost His capability for the miraculous in their minds eye.

So often in life we behave much in the same manner. We are total giants of faith until we run into our first major obstacle. God is in control and we believe in His Immensity as long as we remain somewhat in control. However, when we reach the place where we are no longer able to make a move (just in case God doesn’t) then we begin to lose confidence in His Word and His Abilities. WE forget those things that He has done in the past. Remember when David faced his giant, he began to rehearse those things which the Lord had previously done in his life. 1 Samuel 17: 36 “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Even though there appeared to be no way out for those Israelites, the Lord Who is our “WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY” made a way and miraculously opened a path into the sea. I would also remind you here that this same sea that was opened as a path of deliverance for the people of God, became the method of destruction for the enemies of those same people. Not one enemy remained! Exodus 14:28 “And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

Maybe you are currently facing an impossible situation; a situation of life and death; or something you’ve never encountered before. God wants you to know today that He is our POSSIBILITY! He becomes your possibility only in the midst of impossibility. The tougher the possibility, the greater He will shine on behalf of His people and the greater His Glory. Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle. Don’t ever quit! Refuse to agree with the world and those who are wavering in doubt and defeat.

I stated above that “It ain’t over until it’s over!” Now here’s the real awesome revelation about God’s Kingdom. Even when it appears to be over, it is only just beginning. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died and been entombed for four days. John 11:14 “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” All hope was lost. Everyone had lost hope in the face of the impossible. But God said “This ain’t over!” Jesus “…cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43 The God of Possibility stepped in when all hope was gone. The people had given up and had committed him to the grave. They stopped believing and chided Jesus for delaying his arrival.

Whatever way God had chosen to respond to their heart cries, He would have displayed His glory. With God’s divine direction and orchestration, there would be no wrong choice. Either way God had chosen would have been just the beginning! Risen from the dead, Lazarus was given a new lease on life and an opportunity to give Him glory in the earth. If God had chosen to leave his body in the grave, it still would have been the most incredible day of his life. I’m not so sure that Lazarus had not struggled somewhat having to return to his old life, knowing what lie ahead just a few short days later bursting forth in Resurrection Power! Face to Face with God the Father or back to the dirt bowl we call life.

Let me ask you one last question. “If you were Lazarus, and God had given you the decision, what choice would you have made?” The Glory of God OR back here? I don’t think that would be too hard to decide!

If today you are staring impossibility right in the face, then be encouraged because your POSSIBILITY is in control! EVEN IF IT IS OVER, IT IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING! We are Kingdom people and we live by different rules!
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Joseph from the pit to the Palace.
Moses from a decree of death to leading Israel out of Bondage.
The widow of Nain receiving her only son raised to life.
Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho.
Gideon and his three hundred men.
Noah saving his entire household.
Abraham becoming a Father of many Nations.

Now what about you? What will be your testimony to His Glory?

Your Biggest Mistake!

Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

The Ken Bombard translation simply says this: “If you put God FIRST in all things, He will take care of the rest!” Our priorities are out of whack! We have it all backwards. We put every thing and everyone else first, and give Him our leftovers. Our days begin by being instantly thrust into the affairs of the world, without refueling or refreshing in the Presence of God. (Acts 3:19) We struggle in everything we do throughout the day and we wind up at the end of the day thoroughly exhausted and give Him a simple “Goodnight Lord.”

“BUT…” we say. “I have to take care of my family and that takes time!” Let me share a Kingdom secret with you right now! WHATEVER YOU MANUFACTURE, YOU MUST MAINTAIN! That includes the care, provision, protection, nurture and growth of your family. God desires to provide for your every need. Philippians 4:19 “…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” If we will let Him, that will even include our families. Remember this…WHATEVER GOD MANUFACTURES, HE WILL MAINTAIN! According to Matthew 6:33 quoted above….IF I put Him and His Kingdom work first in my life….HE will take care of my family!

May I add, that He is capable of doing a better job than us! If you rearrange your priorities, and place God where He belongs in your life, then all the time you spend at the Doctor’s office, the Principle’s office, the Counselor’s office, etc., will be eliminated or greatly reduced. It’s hard to row a boat upstream without an oar. Life flows upstream and God is not just our oar, He is our engine and He wants to be our helmsman, as well! Do you also know that it doesn’t hurt your children, to bring them along when you are ministering to others. It gives them a chance to see the Love and the Spirit of God in action!

Last weekend, a group of men helped out a family that needed some special assistance around the yard and their house. One of the men brought his young daughter along and SHE helped the family clean inside along with the only other lady who showed up. Oh My…were they blessed! They were blessed; the young lady learned that blessing others is a greater blessing to ourselves, AND she will be blessed by God for blessing them! What a great deal!

In the same manner please don’t go to work or out into the world without first being with God. If you’re a night person, then spend time with Him in His Word and in conversation (two way prayer) at night, when you are strongest. If you’re a morning person then get up earlier and spend a few precious moments with the One Who loves you, and desires to empower you and give you Godly wisdom for whatever will come your way in the day ahead!

Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate our life priorities. Would you stop for a moment right now and ask Him, “Lord, what are the areas of my life that are out of whack? What do I need to evaluate? What do you wish to change in my life?” If you will consider this challenge, bring a pen and paper when you do ask. As you hear and obey your life will be influenced by Godly Wisdom and empowered by Divine ability! Doesn’t THAT sound refreshing?

If you won’t take the time, what is it that you’re afraid of? The Truth!

IN THE FIRE!

Isaiah 43:2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Are you feeling the heat? Is the firey trial, situation or circumstance all around you? Do you feel like you're going down for the last time? If so, I have some good news for you!

First, we need to be truthful concerning fire. Fire is hot and causes pain. You should not be surprised or caught off guard when you enter into the fiery furnaces of life. Jesus warned us with these words in John 16:33..."These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation(pressure, stress,squashing,squeezing): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Everyone in this world goes through the fire at one stage or another, and oftentimes it seems that we go from one fire to another. Because He has overcome, we can walk in a place of peace no matter how immense the pressure!

Find His purposes in the fire and set your focus on Him. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6 Those who set their minds on matters of the Holy Spirit, experience life and peace no matter what the circumstances.

I was going through some pretty wild times a few years back and I cried out to the Lord saying "When will this end?" He simply spoke back in that still, small voice and said "It won't!" I have learned that as a Disciple (Not just a Believer) the heat is usually always on! As younger, immature Christians we sometimes enter in to a time of complaining, resisting and looking constantly for ways to escape the pressure.

I have learned that pressure is a good thing and that God will use the fires of life, no matter what the origin (Himself, Ourself or the devil) to mold, shape and conform us closer to the image of Christ in us, He desires.

I discovered and meditated on a very unusual Scripture in James 2:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

What? You want me to be joyful when troubles come my way? Am I to be a glutton for punishment? Isn't that crazy? Not when you begin to comprehend that in the midst of the fire, your faith is tested and grown. Going through the fires of life can equip you and get you "ready for anything!" Everyone in the Bible who became what God wanted them to become went through times of testing. Joseph in prison; Daniel in the lion's den; Paul imprisoned and beaten; Jesus in the Garden; Shadrach, Meshack & Abednego in the fiery furnace.

In reading the story of the fiery furnace in Daniel Chapter three we discover...
How to make it through the fire...

1) Know that everyone is currently going through some kind of fire, whether spiritually, financially, family, sickness, relational. You are not the only one in the fire! "But remember that the temptations (trials)that come into your life are no different from what others experience." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Personally, I believe that pressure is designed to create intimacy with God. Think about how distant we seem to wander when everything is going well. Hopefully, as soon as it gets a little rough we are smart enough to turn to God. Eventually, we learn to stay with Him and remain connected with Him in fellowship, praise, prayer and obedience. Daniel 3:21 "So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace..." Because of the sin nature of this fallen world, everyone goes through the fire at one time or another!

If you feel bad about the fire you're in, take a look at what the Apostle Paul had to endure; you'll feel better immediately. "They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled many weary miles. I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Now stop whining...it could be worse!

2) Know that you are not alone God is with you! Psalm 118:6 states that "The Lord God is on my side; I will not fear what man can do..." He has promised He will be with us no matter what we do or what we feel. Even when you FEEL alone, He is with us! Heb 13:5 "…he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

3) You will be tempted to give up and succumb to the effects of the flames. The enemy of your soul will speak these words to you in the midst of your fire, attempting to have you give up and quit. "I will give you one more chance. If you bow down...all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?” Daniel 3:15

Remember that "...God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. 1 Corinthians 10:13” You don't have to bow!

4) Make a declaration of God's willingness & ability. Daniel 3:17 "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power..." Stop your mind from being overwhelmed with facts. God's Truth always over-rides fact! Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believes...and with the mouth confession is made..."

When David faced his giant, he prophesied the fall of the giant even before he engaged in combat. 1 Samuel 17:45 “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou have defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into my hand; and I will smite you, and take your head from you; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” Begin to prophesy your emergence from the fire and your ultimate victory!

5) Know that it may get a little hotter before it gets better! Daniel 3:19 "Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual." In the Kingdom of God, there are processes that we must endure in order for him to fulfill His purposes, maybe even in the lives of others. Have you noticed that our trials usually involve other people, as well ? He doesn’t always answer the way you think He should. He is God and He knows best. His timing is always perfect.

6) Connect with others in the midst of your fire. You are not designed to ever go it alone. We are the members of the Body of Christ. If you go it alone you will be burned. 1Corinthians 12:21 “…the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” You cannot state this either by your words or your actions; the way you live your life in relation one to another. If you disconnect and enter the fires of life by yourself, the odds remain against your survival. Daniel 3:23 23 “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

7) Know that the power of God is with you! Daniel 3:25 “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. His presence, His ability, His Companionship, His strength, His wisdom, His power, His destiny for you will all be present in the heart of the fiery trials of your life. Ask Him what good can come out of this trial. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Its refreshing to know that God has a plan that determines the final outcome of your trail.

8) You are destined to go through the fire and you will come out on the other side and people will see that “the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!.” 1 Samuel 3:27 You will not be consumed by your trial. The experience will not slow you down or defeat you. It will empower you to trust further in His ability.

9) God will receive praise for your personal victory. You will stand as an eternal memorial to the goodness and faithfulness of God as you rely on Him. The world needs to see His movement in your circumstances so they too can come into relationship with Him! Daniel 3:29 “Therefore I make a decree, That …. there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”

10) Here is the best news yet. On the other side of your fiery furnace there is a promotion from the king for YOU! Daniel 3:30 “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego…”

STEPPING UP!

Ephesians 4:11-14 “He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be like children…”

God wants you to grow up! A question I often like to pose in many of my classes goes something like this. “How many of you are Children of God?” Of course the majority of hands are immediately thrust into the air as they claim their rightful inheritance. My follow up question goes like this. “When are you going to grow up and become Men and Women of God?”

In today’s Scripture verse we are told of the growth process each of us must encounter if we are to “be mature and full grown, measuring up to the full stature of the Lord!” Whether you like it or not, you will encounter various trials and tribulations in life that will stretch you and cause you to grow. James 1:2-4 states “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” The New Living testament puts it this way. “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”

James is basically saying to “Get happy and let yourself grow up…” God does not want us to remain as little children and oftentimes uses the circumstances of life to assist us in our development process. The exciting news is that by the Grace of God and the movement of His Holy Spirit in my life, He will take me from my infancy to the fullness of Christ. That is an exciting prospect! Do you know that Jesus also went through the growing processes of life?

Hebrews 2:17-18 “Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters…Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.” He went through it all with great success, I might add. Therefore, He “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15 In all of His Obedience He demonstrated for us that man could overcome the influences of the powers of darkness by relying on God’s Spirit and His Word! “It is written!”

In the order of nature, he went through the growth process; first He changed the water into wine; then He stilled the stormy sea and finally he walked on the water. Each successive directive from the Father required greater faith, fellowship and confidence in Him and His Word. Jesus had never experienced these events in life, but he was growing day by day and moment by moment, to demonstrate the fullness of God in His life. He is our model. God has promised that he will never allow you to be tempted beyond that which you can handle! (1 Corinthians 10:13) In fact, The Lord uses the obstacles and events of our lives to strengthen and grow our faith, character, and spirit, as we grow to be more like Him!

Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” In His ministry of healing he also developed over time, beginning with the healing of sickness and disease; healing the blind and lepers (Creative miracles); and through this process something within Jesus began to emerge with a Holy realization of God’s Power even over death.

Jairus’ daughter was only dead a short while; the widow of Nain’s son was dead for hours and Lazarus four days in the hole! Jesus took one step of growth at a time in every single realm until He manifested God’s Perfect nature!

What mess have you gotten yourself into at this point in your life?
What obstacles has The Lord placed in your life?

Regardless of the source of your challenge, God has promised that you are able (with His Ability) to overcome it and He also desires you to use it as a stepping stone to move higher and closer to conformity to the Fullness of the Stature of Jesus! You must get excited for the day is at hand to thoroughly defeat your adversary! Today is a great day to begin!
2Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ”

RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD?

2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome in establishing and maintaining our relationship with God is the concept of righteousness. Furthermore, it also inhibits us from doing anything productive in His Kingdom!

I remember so often when I first started out in Ministry that as soon as I'd begin to preach, to pray for someone or minister in the gifts of The Spirit I would immediately hear " Who do you think you are? You are a miserable sinner and God will certainly be able to find someone more deserving to flow with His Spirit than you!" All of a sudden the sins I had committed recently would begin to rise up in my remembrance and they would commence to distract me from the Kingdom tasks at hand.

As "Able Ministers of the New Covenant" (2 Corinthinans 3:6) God has established a place where we can go and be filled with the answers to the needs of anyone we encounter in our circle of influence. Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Isn't it exciting and breathtaking to know that God has created a special place for us to go and receive "grace" (the Divine Ability of God) not only for ourselves but also for those we are to serve.

Here at the Throne of Grace we can obtain Mercy (The Divine desire of God that deeply desires to remove the source of distress in our lives) and the Divine ability of God to remove that distress. Now here's where the problem of righteousness comes in. Inately we know this simple truth contained in Isaiah 64:6 "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." Everytime we begin to approach the Throne of Grace, this fact seems to pop in our heads and captures our thought processes. Somehow when these thoughts take over, our boldness to approach the Throne dissapears! And we stand in the outer courts hoping to catch some crumbs of God's Mercy.

If we investigate the verses that preceed Hebrews 4:16, we discover that the Bible says that "we have a great high priest, who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God... For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:14-15 This also confirms our Scripture for today in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that because He knew no sin and because we are "in Him" (Our position because we believe in Him) therefore we are the Righteousness of God!

Speak this fact out loud right now and everytime you are attacked with the lies of the devil to "Remember the sins you have committed and the bad things you have done!"

I am the Righteousness of God!

Now allow me to blow your mind with the facts concerning this statement! Here's what it means...

You have the ability, right now, to stand in the Presence of God as though sin has never touched your life!

This my Christian Brother or Sister is what the Righteousness of God means to you! Some are snorting right now..."Well, I don't know about that!" Let me back it up with Scripture! Psalm 103:12 states "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions(sins) from us." No matter how far east youn travel, you can nevere reach the west! Jeremiah 31:34 "...I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." When you stand at the Judgement Throne of God, He will not even remember one sin you have committed due to the Mercies of the Shed Blood of Jesus. Hebrews 8:12 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 10:17 "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more."

So the very next time you are approaching the Throne of Grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need, and that accusatory voice begins to whine, you begin to shout the truth of God's Word! "I am the Righteousness of God!" Right now I stand here as though sin has never touched my life. I don't care what you think you know or what I remember from my past; what matters is how God views my life. I am the righteousness of God in Christ! He does not remember my sins!

Maybe today you're not even thinking about ministering on behalf of God, and you're just struggling to even lift up your head or to hear from God because you believe that you're not worthy. If the truth were based on what we've done, you'd be correct. However the truth declares that its based soley on what He has done and accomplished!

Micah 7:19 "He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

It's liberating to know that we have become the Righteousness of God. Now walk in that Freedom!

You are not a miserable sinner saved by grace! That is a lie! You are the Righteousness of God!

DOING WHAT IS RIGHT!

JOHN 3:13-15 “Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John didn’t want to baptize him. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It must be done, because we must do everything that is right.” So then John baptized him.”

Many people believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about avoiding the pitfalls of going to hell. As we mature in Christ that focus eventually begins to turn towards an eye on heaven. In the Scripture above, Jesus is talking about the real reason for our existence on this earth…WALKING HOLY…Doing that which pleases our Father in heaven, because then He can direct and orchestrate a lifestyle that will demonstrate what He can accomplish with a man or woman who becomes totally committed to His way of living.

Jesus was to be baptized in order to fully commit his entire life; spirit, soul and body, to the Will of God forever! He was making a bold proclamation for all to hear. He had purposed in His heart to manifest the Righteousness of God in His life. In other words, he was going to manifest, or model, in this world the very Character and Nature of His Father.

Listen carefully…this is also your purpose as a Born Again Christian…to live a Holy life and model the Character of God to a hopeless, lost and dying world. Heaven and all the rewards are simply a natural outgrowth of this loving and obedient relationship in which we walk with Him.
Ephesians 4: 13-14 “until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be like children…”

The Words that Jesus spoke had a way about them that uncovered the soul of men. It didn’t matter whether He was speaking to the hardest of sinners or those who already followed Him, His Words stirred the hearts of men!
Matthew 22:33 “You serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
John 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

These Words spoken as a result of the Father’s command uncovered the Character and nature of Almighty God so that man could love Him. The more you know God the more you are able to love Him! His grace and peace are multiplied many times over as we grow in the knowledge of Him. 2 Peter 1:2 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord…”

His message was not simply a list of commands which demanded negative obedience or else. His Words were constructive and filled with positive righteousness. John 10:10 “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly..”

He came to reveal a new Name for God. In the Old Testament the various Prophets called Him Jehovah, Yahweh, Warrior, healer, Righteousness, and Ruler of the Universe, but Jesus introduced Him as our FATHER! MATTHEW 6:32 “…for your heavenly Father knows that you need of all these things.”

Our goal in life is to be “mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.” Let His Words stir your heart today. Life was never meant to be boring or mundane. Every day is to be an adventure. Every moment is to bring a Divine Opportunity. Every encounter is to have Eternal significance. What a life He has given us!

In today’s text Jesus issues us a resounding challenge “…we must do everything that is right.” When you accept His grace to walk righteous and do that which is right (holy), He will grab hold of your heart and your life and you will be a tool in the Master’s hand!

Purpose in your heart and life right now to do “everything that is right!”

Miracles!

Mark 16: 17 & 20 “These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name…They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.” And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.”

Do you know that the Lord Jesus wants you to live in the place where signs, wonders and miracles are as natural to you as breathing? In the Scripture listed above, as well as many others, He simply qualifies any Believer who believes in His Name as the one who will live with signs following themselves. When we consider the Word of God, miracles should be part of our every day experience. The Power of God should be flowing freely in and through our lives, not just on occasion!

You are part Diety. You are part Divine! Don’t suck all the oxygen out of the room, stop and consider what the Word of God says. “Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’?” John 10:34 “And by that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises. He has promised that you will escape the decadence all around you caused by evil desires and that you will share in his divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4

Consider David laying on his back in the hill country gazing up into the heavens and experiencing this revelation from the Spirit of God. “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have set in place—what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things…” Psalm 8:3-6

That thinking takes my breath away! That, however, is exploding with truth! Revelation 5:10 “And has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” What kind of religious excuses can we make to avoid having to deal with THIS Truth!

I am not saying that you are God! There is only one God, BUT you were created in the image and likeness of God and you are His Offspring. Genesis 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…and over all the earth…” Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being…For we are also his offspring.”

Miracles are natural to God. They appear supernatural to us, but now we are living in the realm of the supernatural, therefore miracles should be a natural part of our lives. A miracle happens by supernatural means and that means now abides in you! Acts 1:8 “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect…” Herein lies the secret to Church growth for the next twenty years or so, or until Jesus returns. Church growth will come as a direct result of a Holy Church walking in loving obedience and intimacy with Christ, resulting in the manifestations of the miraculous in the Body of Christ!

Walking Holy enables us to abide in Jesus and experience the miraculous. John 15:7-8 “But if you stay in me and obey my commands, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce bountiful harvests. This brings great glory to my Father.” The world is hungry to see the Power of God, and they will on a magnanimous scale. The Church---You and I---will release these through the Power of the holy Spirit within us and the Name of Jesus!

Miracles are Powerful tools in the Kingdom of God! “But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever…So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her…At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door.” Mark 1:30-33 Because Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a simple fever, the entire town gathered at the door.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has happened, the Gifts are resident within each of us, (maybe dormant, but they’re in there!) and healings are running rampant all over the world. We will have a revival of miracles like the world has never seen. The book of Acts will come alive right here in our midst! MIRACLES ARE FOR YOU RIGHT NOW!

If you want to see something you’ve never seen before, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done before! Here’s my suggestion!
1) Connect with Jesus constantly.
2) Commit to walk Holy before Him.
3) Listen to His voice and obey His every directive.
4) Give Him the glory!

“The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” John 14:12

Let me hear about the miracles in your life!

SHAKEN IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!

Isaiah 19: 1 “…Behold, the Lord rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.”

In Old Testament symbolism, Egypt refers to those people of the world, who do not belong to the Kingdom of God and are lost without Him. This Scripture tells us that the Presence of God is the chief factor necessary to shake those things in the lives of unbelievers (believers too) that prevent them from entering into the Family of God. When the Lord begins to shake the worldly foundations around someone; their lives begin to teeter and the temporary things of this world commence to fail them. The Presence of the Lord will melt their hearts!

The Word declares that their hearts will “melt in its midst” referring to the presence of God. Now let’s get real for a moment. Where is the Presence God today? The Bible declares in Acts 2:17 that “…it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…” Read it again! “..I will pour out of My Spirit…” Where is His Spirit? He lives within each Born Again Believer. 1Corinthians 3:16 “…you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you…”

In the Bible we can clearly see the lives of men and women reflecting the Presence of God in their day to day decisions and lives.
Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife.
Moses abandoned the House of pharaoh to identify with the afflicted people of God.
Elijah boldly challenged the prophets of baal.
Paul and Silas sang praises in the dark dungeon and shook its foundations.

Each of these expressions of the Presence of the Lord came as a direct result of relationship with Him. Their claim to know Jesus made a difference in their lives. They knew Him because they spent time with Him. Does the claim to know Jesus make a difference in your every day living? Your time…your money…your energy…your values…in what happens Monday through Saturday?

Does the faith you proclaim make a difference with members of the opposite sex? What do they see when we experience pain or disappointment? When the chips are down, does the unbeliever see an attitude in our lives that he would like to possess? Does he want what you have?

What about your relationship with God? Do you respect Him and treat Him as a living vital person in your everyday living? Do you have that heart hunger and thirst that compels you into the presence of God everyday in order to get away with him and talk to Him? Does your heart yearn to feast on His Word? Forgive me if I’m stepping on your toes, but don’t you want to really experience the Presence of God and stop pretending? No one really enjoys faking it!

Many of us talk about the sweetness and power of the Presence of God, but we avoid it like the plague! Be honest…was it today…or yesterday…perhaps a week ago…or a month…a year?

If you want to walk in power and authority…to have your prayers answered from heaven..then those things which prevent the flow must be shaken and there is only one way… “…Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, So that…all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.” Ezekiel 38:19-20

In His Presence, those things which hinder the release of the Presence of God into others lives will be shaken and “shall fall!”

YOU MAY DIE UNSAVED…
BUT YOU WILL NEVER DIE UNLOVED!

Redeemed From the Curse!

Ga 3:13 "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:"

As a result of mankind's initial fall to sin we have been subjected to the curse of sin (Or the Curse of the Law) and it's effects. When mankind was walking in fellowship with God and obedience to His Word and His Principles, we were under the influence of the blessings of the Law.Both the blessings and curses can be found in Deuteronomy 28.

Let's begin with the Blessings and make ourselves happy:Dt 28:1 "And it shall come to pass, if you will hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments...that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings will come on you, and overtake you...Blessed will you be in the city, and blessed will you be in the field. Blessed will be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground...Blessed will be your basket and your store. Blessed will you be when you come in, and blessed will you be when thou go out. The LORD shall cause your enemies that rise up against you to be smitten before your face...The LORD shall command the blessing upon you in your storehouses, and in all that you set your hand to; and he will bless you in the land...And all people of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD...And the LORD will make you plenteous in goods...The LORD will open unto you his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and thou will lend...and ...not borrow. And the LORD shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you will be above only, and ...not be beneath..."

In today's Scriptural nugget we are told that Jesus "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law." Redeemed is defined as "being set free, rescued or ransomed." Today's passage tells us that we have been set free from whatever the curse of the law is; so let's take a look in Deuteronomy and see what we've been set free from, especially in regards to healing!

Deuteronomy 28:18 "Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body..."vs 21... "the pestilence..."vs 22... "consumption(tuberculosis), and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning..."vs 27... "the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods(hemorrhoids) and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed."vs 28... "madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart..."vs 35... " in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head."vs 45... " all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed..."vs 60&61... " all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law..."vs 66... "And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life..."

You have just read a complete list to include "every sickness & every plague...". This is what Jesus Christ has redeemed you from. Jesus went to the Cross in spirit, soul and body; therefore He has redeemed us, spirit, soul and body! The Cross is the Center of Salvation for your spirit, soul and body! 1 Corinthians 6:20 "For you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your spirit and your body because they both belong to God."

If He had not redeemed them, they wouldn't belong to Him.Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law! Sickness of every kind was included in the curse of the Law. Therefore Christ has redeemed us from Sickness and Disease! Don't you let ignorance keep you from getting what rightfully and legally belongs to you! Read God's Word.

Study the Character and Nature of God as revealed in His Word and in the Life of Jesus. ANYONE who came believing received!Mt 21:22 "nd all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.Matthew 7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you...For every one that asks receives...If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Now you know better...go ahead and ask Him to heal you right now in the Name of Jesus!

I'd like to pray with you in agreement! Mt 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.