It's Not Just Fancy Talkin!

“For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Co4 4:20 The New Living Testament states it this way. “The Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk, it’s living by God’s power!”

The question of the day is this! Are you just a big talker OR do you walk the walk in the Power of God? Paul was returning to the City of Corinth in order to address a bunch of “religious” Christians. He identified those people as the big mouthed ones who said all the right words, and made an open show of their “faith”, and went to Church on Sundays.

He warned them in advance of his arrival, telling them what he was going to be looking for. He was not going to be looking for a group who simply talked about the yesterdays and what happened in the past, or perhaps, even the “I remember when’s…” He claimed to be able to identify the true Believers by the evidence of the Power of God flowing in and through their lives.

In Matthew 22:29 Jesus exposed the same grouping of “religious” peoples. “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

There are those whose lives do not back up their declaration of faith in Jesus. The power of God must be flowing in and through our own lives to witness to the fact that we belong to Christ! Acts 1:8 states that when “…the Holy Ghost comes upon you, you shall receive power to witness…”

1) The Power must flow in our own life. When the power of God comes “upon” you, there is a subsequent change in the kind of lifestyle we live. Our lifestyle declares that the flesh is no longer exercising lordship over us. Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

We live lifestyles that stand out from the average everyday life. Others can see the difference and the changes made as a result of His Lordship. The harsh or coarse words cease to be spoken. The smoking, drinking and overeating fall by the wayside, because they no longer have dominion over us! We go to Church on Sundays not because we have to, but because we honor God and we need His refreshment!

We pull on His Power within to live a righteous lifestyle. We begin to encourage instead of criticizing others and the “love of God within us” begins to flow out toward others! WE DO NOT JUST TALK LIKE CHRISTIANS…WE LIVE LIKE ONE!

Do you know how many people are watching and measuring the “Jesus Effect” in our lives? They are judging the reality of His existence, based on the change factor modeled in our lives. What does your lifestyle show about Jesus?

Finally, Jesus commands us in 1 Corinthians 6:17 “…come out…and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things and…you will be my sons and daughters.” We are not meant to be or to even look like the world. We are called to be differnent!

2) The Power must flow through your life! John 7:38 “He who believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” There is a river within you that exists to flow out of you and into the lives of other people.

The Holy Spirit tells us that “The Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk, it’s living by God’s power!”

Jesus commissioned the twelve to let the river flow out from within. Matthew 10:1 “…He had called unto him his twelve disciples, and he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

He commissioned the seventy to let the river flow… Luke 10:9 “And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”

Finally He commissions all Believers to let the river flow…Jesus said that “…these signs shall follow them who believe; In my name they will cast out devils; …they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17-18.

Perhaps it’s time for each of us to pause for some reflection. Does my life truly reflect the Christian (Christlike) lifestyle? What modifications need to be made? What needs to be changed? Do those who do not know Him, really see the Power of God resident in my life? Am I distinguishable from those who live in the world? Can they really see the difference?

1 Corinthians 4:20 “The Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk, it’s living by God’s power!”

DO IT!

"...why are you standing here staring at the sky? " Acts 1:11

Most Christians are very content simply playing the role of observers as we stand and gaze at the handiwork of God. In the Book of Acts when Jesus was taken up into heaven, the angels appeared to those who were left behind and posed this question. I believe the unspoken truth was to "get into the upper room and wait for the enduement of power from on high" that Jesus had promised, and then "DO IT!". Lu 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but wait in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high."

I sense that its time to ask the same question of today's believers. We are all beginning to focus on the return of Jesus so He can get us out of this mess the world is in. Yes, He is coming back soon, however there is much work to be done before He returns. There are many souls to save and lives to be impacted. Holiness is to be obtained, and the glory of God is to be revealed in and through our lives. Isaiah 60 says that in the midst of "gross darkness" that "the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall come to your light..." Isaiah 60:2-3.

If there is so much to be done then the question remains of why Christians are not doing what we're suppose to be doing to prepare the way for His return?

1) We lack the vision... Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish." We are so self absorbed in ourselves and the lives of our own families that we fail to catch the vision for revival and worldwide evangelism. At least we could be concerned with our own communities and workplaces. Ask yourself..."How many people have I proclaimed the Good news to lately, either by my words or my life?"

2) We lack the power...I don't mean the indwelling presence as described in John 4:14 "...the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." I mean the river of water flowing out of our lives through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. "Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38 Its sad to say...THE RIVER HAS RUN DRY!

3) We walk in fear...of the cost of paying the price to see the miraculous...of what people will say about us...of giving up the simple pleasures of the flesh...of having to spend more time with Him...or what IF God doesn't back me up? Psalm 118:6 " The LORD is on my side; I will not fear..." Notice that your WILL is involved with the refusal to fear! When you comprehend that God is on our side..then we refuse to fear!

4) We walk in ignorance..."It's the Pastor's job or the leadership!" Hogwash, our job is to train and equip the saints to do battle. The Bible says that signs and wonders will follow the BELIEVER as we go into the world proclaiming the good news! "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature...And these signs shall follow them that believe..." Mark 16: 15-17

5) We have become disconnected from the Body of Christ... "Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. " 1 Corinthians 12:27 You are designed to function as part of the Body. YOU WILL NEVER MAKE IT ALONE! You are not designed to function on your own! You are not the "Lone Ranger" or "An Army of One." Until you discover your function in the local member(Church) of the Body of Christ and begin to flow in that purpose, we the Church will be handicapped! One of my Spiritual mentors taught me that "a hand cut off from the Body, becomes a pile of dead meat." Have you gradually become a pile of dead meat? You are not designed to be so!

When the Patriarch David stopped staring at the night sky, he caught hold of the Heart of God, and discovered that there wasn't anything that could stop him from doing what God had called him to do!

LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:28-29.

David knew that God was "a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6 In other words, God blessed those who worked at establishing relationship with himself. David refused to be a "do nothing" for his God.

He discovered that when he walked out of his time in the presence of God that he had a renewed vision; power and ability that enabled him to do anything; faith that would not fail; that Truth had been revealed to his heart; and a desire to walk knit together with other believers had been deposited within! "...it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Phillipians 2:13

Someone out there is waiting for you to respond with the Power and Authority of God that has been deposited within you! Please don't let them down! We don't want to leave anyone behind to experience what's going to happen when it all comes crashing down. Get in the presence of God...go after the "enduement of power" and when you get it; let it flow onto others!

EXHAUSTED?

"...times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord" Acts 3:19

Last year (4th of July) my wife Debbie and I got some redneck style rest and refreshment in Terra Alta, West Virginia. We spent a couple of days with another couple at a nice cabin tucked deep in the woods. No phones, no other people, long walks, evenings around the fire in rocking chairs set on the front porch and good feeding.

One evening my friend and I were talking about how refreshing the weekend and our time alone with each other had been and I started to hear from the Lord. I told my friend Jim, that the next blog would have to be on exhausted people and how to stay energized and refreshed the Bible way.

So many people today are just too exhausted, lacking energy and the drive to do even the basic necessities of life. If they can take care of the basics, then they never have anything left over for the family or to enjoy God's great creation! The Bible has a few words to say about becoming refreshed!

When people come to me for counseling or I just happen upon those who gladly receive my spiritual input and their status or complaint is too tired, weary or exhausted, the first area I check is based on Acts 3:19 as stated above. My first question is "How is your time with the Lord?" I'm not talking about the time riding down the road in your car making a list of demands and requests of Him. I'm not talking about singing to Him in the shower or printing a few Bible verses on your Facebook entry for the day.

I'm talking about good quality, prime time spent alone with Him seeking His heart! I'm talking about the time when you enter His presence just to spend time with Him. You've entered His gates with thanksgiving in your heart, and climbed ever closer with praise, coming into his courts. Finally you've reached the throne room with worshiping God for Who He is, not what He can do for you!

Acts tells us that times of refreshing come when you arrive at that place. It means in His presence you get revived (Filled with His life once again) or you are able "to recover your breath." Peter and his crew awed the crowds because "they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Ac 4:13 The opposite is also true that when you do not spend time in His presence you run dry because you are running on flesh instead of the Spirit of God and His ability. Simple Bible truth is that you only get re-energized when you make the effort to get into His presence and stay for awhile, just to love on Him. When you leave, you walk away from that encounter with power and renewed strength.

Isa 40:31 declares that "...they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I want to run, work, minister, husband and father and not get tired nor faint! The Bible says that I need to spend time with Him, seeking Him, loving Him just because of Who He is!

Mt 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The Message says even more powerfully..."Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

The Bible says that God "is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6. Those who work at relationship with Him are those who receive from Him!

The second reason I find that people are weary is because they have manufactured the events and happenings in their life strictly in the flesh. Our plans, purposes and pursuits have been originated from our own thinking and desires and therefore we must maintain whatever we have manufactured! Jesus says "...my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30 When we're yoked to Him (Follow His direction) life is so much simpler, easier and the burden is carried (Maintained) by Jesus! The same verse again is translated by The Message to read "Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." The fact remains that anything that is born (Manufactured by) of the Spirit originates only out of the presence of God. You are going to have to eliminate, or cut off those things which you have manufactured outside of God's will. They may even be Christian works or good social causes, BUT if He has not yoked Himself to the issue at hand, you will be playing God in that area of your life. It's exhausting to try and play God and to attempt to rule the affairs of your universe. Get into the presence of God, confess your sin, discover what His will is for your life, obey His Word and receive His ability to do that which He has commanded!

Thirdly, I'd like to remind you to take a day of rest and focus the day's activities around family and the Lord. Ge 2:2 "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." God wasn't exhausted, He was giving us an example and told us to honor this special day of rest. Exodus 16:23 "And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD:..."

If your tired, weary and exhausted then the first place to check is your time in His Presence! Make sure that everything that's on your plate is of God. Set aside a day of rest for you and your family!

The definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results!" Why not try God's way and get refreshed in His presence!

If you've been encouraged by this message, please tell someone else about this site. We need to spread His Word!

What Makes a Good Father?

Honor your father and your mother. This is the first of the ten commandments that ends with a promise. This is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, you will live a long life, full of blessing. And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord. Ephesians 6:2-4

Father's Day is right around the corner & I believe that you will enjoy this reprint from last year's Father's Day edition of Heart to Heart!

The perfect Father is perceived to be the most powerful, most knowledgeable influence in our lives. For daughters the perfect Father is the first man they fall in love with. For sons the perfect Father is a source of strength and someone they want to be like when they grow up.

The perfect Father is a source for honest and straightforward wisdom and truth. The perfect Father takes care of a child’s needs and fosters their interests. The perfect Father corrects their children when they are headed in the wrong direction and mete out appropriate discipline when needed. The perfect Father is the one who works 1, 2, or even 3 jobs to support the basic family needs and he never complains or suggests how hard he works to eke out a living.

No matter how insignificant or monstrous our problems are; no matter what time of day or night, no matter how busy he is with everything else, the perfect Father is always there for us and we know he always will be. The perfect Father saves us from ourselves when we start to make bad decisions for our lives and he picks us up and dusts us off when we ignore his advice and go through with our bad decisions anyway.

The perfect Father demonstrates the Godly way of living, models faith, and exhibits tenderness in the midst of strength. He speaks truth in all situations, and walks in wisdom concerning life’s hardships and decisions. The perfect Father demonstrates by living, the Lordship of Jesus Christ and instructs us in His Word and ways. The perfect Father saves me, rescues me, advises me, strengthens me, and counsels me.

Fathers have been given the honor of being called by the same name that Jesus said we could now call the Great and Magnificent Jehovah God…our Heavenly Father. Matthew 23:9 “…you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven.”

With that title comes a huge amount of responsibility. A young child when raised with a proper role model will see their first glimpse of the Character and Nature of God… in the life of a DAD!

We’ve spoken here of the perfect Father…However if you’re reading this, it’s a fact that your not perfect and that somewhere along the road, you’ve messed up on one or two (If not all) of the above tasks. If you made mistakes, trust in God and walk closely with Him, for Jesus is Lord “yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8 This means He can go back an re-establish His Lordship in your children’s lives and wipe away the effects of our wrongdoing in their formative years. Trust in Him!

If you dishonored your father or mother make it right! Go before the Lord and get His Divine Strategy for renewing the relationship. Stop playing games; life is too short! Even before you can come into the presence of the Lord you must make it right with that strained relationship. Jesus said “ if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone (Father or Mother…anyone) has something against (Between) you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” Matthew 5:23-24

The good news is that since God has called you to be a Father, He also has given you the ability to pull it off. “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Begin afresh today! Celebrate Fatherhood.

I also thought you’d enjoy some of the universal language of Father’s…

"Were you raised in a barn? Close the door!"

"Don't worry ... it's only blood."

"A little dirt never hurt anyone ... just wipe it off."

"Who ever said life was supposed to be fair?"

"You call that a haircut?"

"Hey" is for horses."

"Turn off those lights! Do think I'm made out of money?"

"As long as you live under my roof ... you'll live by my rules."

"I'll tell you why ... Because I said so! That's why!"

"What's so funny? Wipe that smile off your face!"

"You have it so easy ... when I was your age... I had to walk to school in 10 feet of snow up hill both ways."

"What part of "NO" don't you understand?"

"I hope I'm alive when your kids turn sixteen."

"If you break your leg, don't come running to me."

"This will hurt me a lot more than it will hurt you."

“You don’t have to like it you just have to eat it!”

THE WORLD IS WAITING ON YOU!

“But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

Where are the Davids, Elijahs, the Jonahs and Josephs in the world of today? We are in obvious distress and the world is a total mess. If the Scripture is true, then we should be the ones who are able to do it better than anyone else. We should come up with creative solutions inspired by the Sprit of God, as we wait in His Presence. We have a Godly advantage. The greater One lives inside us! “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

WE are the giant killers! You were born to slay giants! If there is a situation which causes pain or pressure in the world, we can go to the source of all Wisdom and Knowledge; obtain His will and release His power in this sick, sad, depraved world. “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” James 1:5

When the wicked city of Ninevah wallowed in the muck and mire of sin and self destruction, God chose and empowered a man named Jonah and sent him in clothed only in the power of God and speaking His Word. The city turned and repented under exposure to the anointing of the Sprit of God. Where are the Jonahs of today?

Think of what that same Spirit that rested upon Jonah could do in our communities, neighborhoods and cities, through one single yielded man or woman. What would become of the drug dealers and the violence that rules in our society. What love could flow in our divided households? See with your spirit eyes all of your children returning to the presence of the Lord. Do you really believe that through our wishy washy brand of Christianity and casual lifestyles that your entire household will be won to Christ?

Where are the Greater Works that Jesus promised? Jesus said “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 As we raised our children, we told them that the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and Jesus were all real. As they grew up they soon discovered that two of the three were frauds and have never really seen anything except a few faith “accidents” which may or may not testify to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The power of God demonstrates the Divinity of Jesus Christ. Have you ever noticed that true “disciples” of Christ have encountered the miraculous in their lives? I am talking disciples, not just believers! Disciples are advancing the Kingdom of God, not just talking about it and wallowing in vain attempts to obtain the blessings of God for themselves.

Romans 8:19 tells us that all of creation is eagerly awaiting “for the manifestation of the sons of God.” We have the solutions! We can point them to the true Way! We know the answer! We are the great Physicians Assistants. We can diagnose (with the Mind of Christ) and heal (With the greater works) those who are sick! We have the power, if we’re willing to pay the price. It has been said that if you want to see something you’ve never seen before; you must be willing to do something you’ve never done before!

David slew the giant who held all of God's people in bondage and fear! The prayers of Elijah ended a severe drought in the land and reversed the course of the entire food supply for the land. Joseph, in the same manner and under the influence of the same Spirit, would amass such Godly wisdom that he rose to the most powerful and influential position in the land. He too, would preserve an entire nation! Look what Jesus says to His Disciples. “for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply!” Luke 21:15

Stop believing you are a nobody! “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12 You are a son or daughter of God. You have access to the mind, wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ. You have the power of God available to you. Acts 1:8 The Spirit of God lives in you and wishes to move through you life to impact others! Get into the Presence of God. Many of you have not been there for a long time! Tell Him you are not going to leave until you are reconnected with Him…His Mind and His Power!

When you leave His presence, full of Wisdom and Power....RUN TOWARD THE GIANT AND CUT HIS UGLY HEAD OFF! IT'S TIME SOMEONE IN YOUR CHURCH STOOD UP TO FIGHT!

HURTING?

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The song goes something like this… “When you’re weary, feeling small, and tears are in your eyes, I will comfort you.” It goes on in a later portion to say “And pain is all around, like a Bridge over Troubled Water, I will lay me down.”

Life is tough. No one ever said it was easy. Everyone suffers pain due to the sinful, selfish condition of man's heart. There are people all around us who are really hurting right now. We all are suffering in one situation or another. Perhaps life has tossed some curves and pains in your own direction. Perhaps a loved one has recently been diagnosed with the "C' word or may have passed on. Maybe you're lonely, crushed, dissappointed, or even betrayed. You child may have gone astray or is temporarily failing in life. It could be tattered finances, a lost job or an empty loveless heart. Sometimes you just break down and cry.

I want you to know this fact! Jesus loves you so much that he told me to write this one to you as a personal love letter from Him toYou!

Jesus IS the Bridge Over Troubled Waters and He wants you to know what The Manufacturer’s Handbook has to say about dealing with loss in life!

1) Run toward God…not away from Him. The Bible says “…He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him (to know Him) and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:33 So many people get angry with Him and blame it all on Him out of ignorance. They neither know Him or His principles.

2) Recognize that certain areas of your life, and life in general, are uncontrollable. He does have the Power to change either you or your situation, whichever He chooses. Jesus “said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Mt 19:26 Do not give up hope! David, in the midst of total despair penned these words in Psalm 43:5 “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” The Message . David knew the secret… “He’s my God!”

3) God knows about your situation…Psalm 31:7 “I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” He has seen your troubles and HE CARES FOR YOU!

4) God’s love and care for you is not performance based! His love is UNCONDITIONAL! Jeremiah 31:3 puts it this way… “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”

5) Dive into the Bible (The Word) and see that you really do matter to Him and discover what God is really like. Just because you have certain ideas about God, does not mean they’re right! Your personal conception of what God is like doesn’t matter. What matters is the truth! Jesus said in John 8:31 “to those…who believed Him, “If you continue (stay in, discover and apply) in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Simply hearing things about me will never give you access into my way of thinking or reveal what’s going on in my heart. But you know me because you have spent time with me! It’s even more true with Him!

6) Know that your struggles are only temporary and that He is right here with you no matter what kind of a fiery trial you’re going through. YOU ARE GOING THROUGH THE FIRE. YOU WILL GET THROUGH AND ON THE OTHER SIDE THERE AWAITS A PROMOTION! Two of my favorite verses in the Bible are these…

A) “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:25 Jesus was in the fiery furnace assuring that they would make it through to the other side!
B) “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.” At the end of their ordeal…they received an elevated position! Something good is waiting for you on the other side of your hurt and pain!

7) God will eventually bring good out of your hurt and pain. Romans 8:28 confirms this. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” He will use the situation to bring you to Himself and to His Comfort.

8) Connect with others who know His love and have experienced His Divine intervention in the hurts of their own lives. We are waiting for you! We want to give to your hurt like he has given into our hurt! 2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

9) Know that you will see your loved ones again, if you have invited the Lordship of Jesus into your own life. “He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4

10) Everyone who reads this letter can have the same trust and surety, that when you breathe your last breath, you too can be ushered into the presence of God. It is by the Grace of God and your simple childlike faith that you gain access into the family of God. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” YOU WILL NEVER EARN ENTRANCE ON YOUR OWN! YOU’VE ALREADY FAILED! Romans 3:23



SOMEBODY IS SAYING, “BUT KEN YOU DON’T KNOW THE HURT AND PAIN I’M FEELING!”

Yes. I do!
On June 22, 2007, I lost my beautiful grandbaby Eliana Kaye Bombard.

THIS IS THE EXACT PLAN HE GAVE TO ME IN THE MIDST OF MY HURT AND PAIN! IT WORKED FOR ME. HIS WORD WILL WORK FOR YOU!

AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN

2 Chronicles 7: 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

In Centreville, Md. where I live they are just beginning to harvest the winter wheat. This is wheat that is planted right before the onset of winter’s woes and barely breaks the surface as winter sets in. As the warmth of spring arises, the plants then commence to grow and produce a sure harvest of wheat and straw. At harvest time, the plant turns from emerald green to the amber waves of grain that you can see in the accompanying picture, taken right here in Centreville.

On seeing this visual the other day, I heard the words to America the Beautiful enter into my spirit and I began to sing. “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain…” Then I began to rehearse all the negatives that have been cropping up with this once great Nation and I asked myself “What went wrong?”

I could blame it on the Democrats or Republicans, the Liberals or Conservatives, Obama or Bush, the ACLU or the Muslims, the Blacks, Whites or Hispanics, and the list goes on and on. Then I heard that “still small voice” from the Spirit of the Lord and He hit me with the Truth!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The problem lies squarely with you and I…the Church of Jesus Christ!

“If my people, who are called by My name…” The Spirit of the Lord is talking about us…Christians. He clearly lays the responsibility for the healing of our land (U.S.A.) upon our shoulders. When a Nation suffers injury it is a direct result of the People of God not properly shouldering our responsibilities!

“…shall humble themselves…” As Christians we need to submit our own personal goals and desires to line up with His Kingdom pursuits. It’s not about our leisure time, hobbies or even our families. It’s about His family and His directives.

“…and pray…” Not to get personal, but when is the last time you prayed for our President or the Leadership (Whether you agree with them or not) of this once great nation? Have you prayed that the Lord would give them “a heart to know Him, and to turn their hearts towards Him..”? (Jeremiah 24:7) Have you prayed for revival in America the beautiful lately? Have you even prayed for revival in your own life lately? Exactly what measure of influence have you personally had on the spiritual condition of our own Country? Perhaps we need to reflect, repent and react!

“…seek my face..” Notice He does not say “Seek My hand.” One of the conditions for the healing of our nation is for Christians to spend time in the Presence of God, where we can be strengthened with His joy. It’s a horrible shame that we spend more time with our televisions and other leisure time than we do with our Creator God!

“..and turn from our wicked ways…” Simply put, sin separates us from God and from His provision. As long as we continue to submit ourselves to our repetitive sins, He can not answer our prayers and we become impotent Kingdom people. Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” OUCH!

If WE will HUMBLE OURSELVES, PRAY, SEEK THE FACE OF GOD AND TURN FROM OUR SINS…HE WILL HEAL OUR NATION AND RESTORE IT’S LUSTER!

Sounds like a great deal to me! Count me in! How about you?

THE SONFLOWER!

Sunflowers are amazing flowers. Have you ever considered that they grow larger and higher than all the other flowers in the garden?

Then they begin to unfold glorious yellow petals with a wealth of tightly packed seeds in their center...these seeds one day will feed birds, animals and people. They will also produce hundreds more sunflower plants.

Did you know that it is called the sunflower becuse of it's great love for the sun? After it grows tall enough to be free of the threat of any shade...it's face follows the course of the sun throughout the entire day...leaning and turning as it follows the course of the sun's circuit.
THE SUNFLOWER SEEKS TO BE AT ALL TIMES FULLY BATHED IN SUNLIGHT!

We need to follow the Lord(THE SON) the way the sunflower follows the sunshine. Seek Him First every morning and the last at night. Practice focusing on Him throughout the day!

THE SONFLOWER SEEKS TO BE AT ALL TIMES FULLY BATHED IN SONLIGHT!
Joh 8:12 ¶ Then Jesus said to them, "I am the light of the world: he that follows me will not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

His Promise here is this....That if we follow Him...hear His Word and do His Will...darkness will not overcome us...but our lives will be flooded with His Life...His truth...His directives...THE SON SHINING IN AND THOUGH OUR LIVES!

In order to grow above and beyond all of the other flowers(especially the weeds in life) we need to keep focused on the SONSHINE!

When we stay focused on the Son, then others can feed off of the fruit in our lives just like birds and animals feed off the Sunflower. We also produce other offspring for God as we plant our seeds into other peoples lives!

Follow the SON all day today!